‘Invaluable’ coach departs struggling Munster ahead of final stages of season

Jack Tunney 05 May 2025 5:17 PM

Experienced coach Chris Boyd has left Munster and returned to his home in New Zealand after five months on the job.

Boyd was initially employed under a short-term deal which saw him take the role of Performance Consultant.

His time with the former European champions has entailed mixed results, with the Irish province currently sitting in ninth place in the United Rugby Championship (URC).

Poor run of form

A poor run of form has resulted in just two wins in their past six matches, including an unceremonious dumping from the Champions Cup at home to Bordeaux Begles.

In a statement released by the club, Munster thanked the Kiwi coach, saying: “A vastly experienced coach who provided invaluable support to our coaching team over the past five months, our thanks to Chris for his time at the province and wishing him the very best for the future.”

The 66-year-old has had an impressive career to date, coaching some of the top sides around the world. As recently as 2022 he was the Director of Rugby at Northampton Saints.

An influx of players return to boost Munster’s hopes

Munster have players returning to training this week having missed the Cardiff clash, including Tom Ahern, Stephen Archer, Liam Coombes, John Hodnett, Oli Jager, Conor Murray, Peter O’Mahony and Josh Wycherley.

They will join the likes of Mike Haley, Gavin Coombes, Calvin Nash, Diarmuid Barron and Craig Casey who all returned to action in Cardiff at the end of April and came through the game with no issues.

Part of an unwanted record

Munster’s poor season was summed up in their last match when all four Irish provinces were beaten in the URC on the same weekend for the first time since 2015.

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