Ian Costello: Clayton McMillan can take Munster to the next level
It may be another few months before he officially takes up his post, but Ian Costello believes Munster supporters should be excited about what Clayton McMillan will bring to the table as the province’s new head coach.
Since former England international Graham Rowntree stepped down from the main coaching position in October of last year, Costello has been in charge of Munster on an interim basis. There had been a prolonged search for Rowntree’s permanent replacement, before the southern province eventually announced in recent days that current Chiefs supremo McMillan will become the new head coach of Munster in July – following the completion of the 2025 Super Rugby season.
As part of a restructuring of the province’s senior backroom set-up for next season onwards, Mike Prendergast will switch from his present position of attack coach to that of senior coach – which will see him having a more central role in team preparation, strategy, selection and recruitment.
The Head of Rugby Operations in Munster since 2023, Costello will remain as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2024/25 season before also taking up a new role as the province’s General Manager.
Speaking to former Munster player Marcus Horan on Premier Sports ahead of Friday night’s United Rugby Championship clash against Edinburgh at Virgin Media Park in Cork, Costello said that he saw McMillan as an ideal fit for the province.
“I hope he comes in and compliments what I think is an excellent coaching team. A team with a strong identity, a strong culture. We think he is a really good fit to come in and evolve that. Bring it to another level.
“Really excited about what we have and really excited about where we can go in the future,” Costello explained.
Meanwhile, Costello also took time to heap praise on two of Munster’s most respected veterans. Earlier this week, it was announced that Peter O’Mahony – along with Leinster and Ireland stalwart Cian Healy – would retire from professional rugby at the end of the current season.
Additionally, it was also revealed that Conor Murray is set to depart Munster when their 2024/25 campaign reaches a conclusion and will seek an opportunity to play abroad for at least a year.
Having known both men since their very first days in the province, Costello has only positive things to say about O’Mahony and Murray – who are hoping to play some part for Ireland in their crunch Six Nations Championship showdown with France in the Aviva Stadium next weekend.
“I’ve been blessed. When I worked in the academy, they were coming through the academy. They stood out from the very start. Not everyone does, but those two did. What can you say really about what they’ve contributed to Munster and Ireland,” Costello added.
“Incredible careers. I think Conor called it ‘living a dream’. We’ve been blessed to have worked with them for so long. We wish them the best in the future and hope they stay strongly connected to the club.”