Munster hit by further resignations over Roger Randle appointment

Munster confirmed that members of its Commercial Advisory Group have resigned from their voluntary positions

Roger Randle, who previously worked with Munster head coach Clayton McMillan at the Chiefs, is set to replace Mike Prendergast as the province's attack coach. Pic: Michael Bradley/Getty Images

Munster Rugby has been hit by further resignations, this time from voluntary members of its Commercial Advisory Group, following its decision to hire Roger Randle as its new attack coach for next season.

A statement from the province on Monday confirmed that some members of the CAG had followed the decision of three independent Professional Games Board members - former players Billy Holland, Killian Keane and Mick O’Driscoll – to step down over the appointment of Chiefs assistant Randle due to a historic rape allegation from 1997. 

Randle has always denied the accusation, and charges made against him were dropped in Durban, South Africa, where the former wing had been touring with New Zealand’s Hurricanes for a Super Rugby fixture.

Munster head coach Clayton McMillan, Randle’s former boss at the Chiefs between 2021 and 2025, last week made a strong defence of his selection’s character while the resignations from the PGB are understood to have been chiefly in relation to the lack of consultation with that body ahead of the appointment by chief executive Ian Flanagan, general manager Ian Costello and McMillan.

Munster’s statement on the latest resignations read: “The Commercial Advisory Group (CAG) is an informal voluntary group of business and industry people who advise Munster Rugby with its commercial activities and initiatives.

“Munster Rugby can confirm that some members of the Commercial Advisory Group have resigned from their voluntary positions. Munster Rugby would like to thank these members for all of their hard work and their contribution to Munster Rugby.” 

Randle is set to replace the Bath-bound Mike Prendergast this summer, subject to securing a work permit. Concerns over his appointment were raised when his name was first linked to the coaching vacancy, with a report of the allegations from a South African newspaper from 29 years ago circulated on social media.

Munster are preparing for their URC Round 16 derby clash at home to Ulster this Saturday. With three games remaining in the regular season, they sit in sixth place needing a top-eight finish to reach the play-offs and qualify for next season’s Champions Cup.