Confirmed: Munster sign playmaker Will Harrison on one-year-deal

The 26-year-old utility back has joined from Japan’s Kinetsu Liners and will take up one of Munster’s Non-Irish Qualified (NIQ) spots for 2026-27.

MUNSTER MOVE: Ex-Waratah ten Will Harrison. Pic: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Australian playmaker Will Harrison’s arrival at Munster was confirmed by the province on Wednesday as Clayton McMillan bolstered his attacking options for next season.

The 26-year-old utility back has joined on a one-year deal from Japan’s Kinetsu Liners and will take up one of Munster’s Non-Irish Qualified (NIQ) spots for 2026-27 created by the post-season departures of South African wing Thaakir Abrahams to Bulls and Springbok lock Jean Kleyn to Gloucester.

Munster have also seen number 10 Tony Butler and wing Andrew Smith leave this summer and Harrison’s versatility offers head coach McMillan a number of solutions with the former Waratah able to play at fly-half, centre and full-back, as well as offering a left-footed kicking option.

As the Irish Examiner reported last Thursday from Sydney, the Randwick clubman may have had multiple Wallabies caps by now, having previously captained both the Australian Schoolboys and Under-20s, leading the latter to the Junior World Championship final from number 10 in 2019, only to sustain a string of injuries before leaving Waratahs for Japan in 2024 after scoring 257 points in 38 appearances for the Super Rugby franchise.

“I’m extremely excited to be joining such a proud province. From my first conversations with the club, it felt like a place I wanted to be,” Harrison said in a Munster Rugby press release.

“Munster has a rich history and a passionate supporter base, and it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to be part of that. I’m looking forward to getting over to Ireland, meeting the players, staff and supporters, and working hard every day to contribute in any way I can to the success of the team.” 

General Manager Ian Costello added: “We are delighted that Will has made the decision to join Munster.

“As a left-footed playmaker we feel he will add more balance to the squad and his ability to play across the backline is a real point of difference.

“Highly regarded from a young age, Will has battled through some challenges. We have been impressed with his character, his dedication, and his ambition to play at the very highest level of the game.

“We would like to extend a warm welcome to Will and look forward to him contributing to a successful season at the club.”