Munster sign Ireland tighthead prop Jack Aungier on two-year deal

MUNSTER BOUND: Munster have confirmed the signing of Ireland international tighthead prop Jack Aungier. Pic: Shaun Roy/Sportsfile.

Munster have confirmed the signing of Ireland international tighthead prop Jack Aungier on a two-year deal starting next season.

The powerful scrummager has made 100 appearances for Connacht since joining from Leinster in 2020 and earned a call up to the Ireland squad for the 2025 Six Nations before making his Test debut against Georgia last summer.

With Munster set to lose veteran John Ryan to retirement at the end of the current campaign and Michael Ala'atoa expected to end his short-term contract, Aungier's addition eases some pressure on the province's potential tighthead stocks with Oli Jager and Roman Salanoa experiencing ongoing injury issues.

Former Young Munster prop Conor Bartley will be joined in the senior ranks for next season by academy graduate Ronan Foxe.

Aungier, 27, has also represented Ireland A and Emerging Ireland having risen through the ranks at Suttonians RFC and St Fintan's High School before joining the Leinster academy in 2017.

“I’m really excited to be joining Munster Rugby next season,” Aungier said.

“This squad has a brilliant blend of young talent and experienced leaders, and I can’t wait to be part of it. I'm looking forward to getting started, contributing to the team, and making an impact on and off the field.”

Munster general manager Ian Costello said: "We're delighted to welcome Jack to Munster Rugby. He brings a wealth of experience, and his quality is reflected in his call up to the Ireland squad last summer.

"He's a powerful scrummager, dynamic ball carrier and has a range of skills which we think will add massive value to Munster Rugby."

Munster have also announced Scarlets and South Africa hooker Marnus van der Merwe as a new signing for Clayton McMillan next season.