Munster v Leinster at Thomond Park could define the early direction of Clayton McMillan’s reign

Clayton McMillan’s Munster side welcome Leinster to Thomond Park seeking proof they are building something lasting

TWO TRIBES: Team captains Josh van der Flier of Leinster, left, and Tadhg Beirne of Munster during the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Munster at Croke Park in Dublin. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Munster welcome derby rivals Leinster to a sold-out Thomond Park on Saturday evening looking to give further evidence the province has stepped off the rollercoaster they had been riding for what seemed an eternity.

The first knockings of the 2025-26 season under the guidance of new head coach Clayton McMillan have felt like an oasis of calm following the turbulence which had preceded it. Back-to-back defeats as November turned into December offered a reminder of the journey still needing to be negotiated but there has been enough, not least in the URC round four victory at Leinster in Croke Park last October 18, to suggest that the bumps which lie ahead will be less dramatic than in previous seasons.