Munster's McMillan wary of festive Leinster backlash

Head coach Clayton McMillan during Munster training at UL this week. Pic: Morgan Treacy/Inpho

Having poked the Leinster bear in his first derby meeting as Munster boss, Clayton McMillan is expecting a venomous response when the URC champions visit a sold-out Thomond Park on Saturday night for the rematch.

McMillan’s first season at the helm since leaving New Zealand’s Chiefs got the ideal boost in mid-October when Munster continued their unbeaten start to the 2025-26 campaign with a statement 31-14 victory over their fiercest rivals at Croke Park. That was URC round four, and a third defeat for Leinster in the opening weeks of their title defence.