Ex-All Black’s move to Munster is cancelled after backlash to historical rape allegation
Roger Randle in his role as Chiefs assistant coach (inset) and in action for the All Blacks Sevens team as a player.
Munster have announced that former All Blacks flyer Roger Randle will not be joining their backroom staff as an attack coach from next season.
Last month, the Irish province appointed Randle, who currently serves as an assistant coach with Super Rugby Pacific club the Chiefs, as a replacement for their departing senior coach Mike Prendergast, who is joining PREM Rugby champions Bath.
However, the appointment became highly controversial due to a historic rape allegation against Randle, which he has always denied.
He was accused of raping a woman in Durban in 1997 during his playing career with the Hurricanes while visiting the South African city for a Super Rugby match against the Sharks.
The charge against him was withdrawn
The case against him was eventually dropped when the woman withdrew the charge, although she stood by her allegation.
Current Munster boss Clayton McMillan, who previously worked as the head coach at the Chiefs with Randle as one of his assistants, is believed to have pushed for the ex-All Black’s appointment along with the province’s general manager Ian Costello.
There was a huge backlash from fans on social media since Randle was linked with a move to Munster, which resulted in three independent members of Munster’s Professional Game Board, ex-players Billy Holland, Mick O’Driscoll and Killian Keane resigning from their positions when he was eventually appointed.
When announcing that Randle would be joining their ranks, Munster said they had completed “due diligence” before the appointment and highlighted that “no legal process was pursued, and the matter was closed”.
However, they have now added that “following recent discussions and having considered the circumstances that have developed after the announcement, Roger and Munster Rugby have mutually agreed not to proceed with the appointment”.
Randle was naturally disappointed that his move to Munster has fallen flat.
“I am deeply saddened that unfounded allegations from nearly 30 years ago — allegations I have always denied — have resurfaced during this process and overshadowed what was a wonderful opportunity to contribute to Munster Rugby,” he said.
“I want to state clearly that these claims are false, and I maintain my complete and unwavering innocence, as I always have.
“It became clear that the renewed public attention around these allegations had created circumstances where proceeding with the role was no longer the right outcome for our family. This is something that we accept with genuine sadness and disappointment.
“My priority now is supporting my family and moving forward, while continuing to stand by the truth.
“I would like to sincerely thank Clayton, the wider Munster Rugby organisation and its supporters, and I wish them every success in the future.”
McMillan said he wants to “acknowledge Roger’s professionalism throughout this process and the way he has engaged in what have been difficult discussions for everyone.
‘He’s an outstanding person and coach’
“I am personally disappointed that we will not have the opportunity to work together at Munster. I know Roger well; he’s an outstanding person and coach, and I believe he would have brought a real quality to the programme.
“My priority and immediate focus is supporting the players and staff, who have shown resolute focus during a challenging period, to deliver the strongest possible finish to the season.”
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Costello echoed McMillan’s sentiments but believes the right decision was made.
“This has been a difficult conclusion to reach, but after recent discussions, it became clear that this was the best course of action for Roger, his family and Munster Rugby,” he said.
“Our focus remains on supporting the team for the rest of the season and ensuring we have the best structures and systems in place for the 2026/27 season.”
READ MORE: Munster boss gives blunt verdict on controversial appointment of ex-All Black