Munster part ways with Kiwi coach amid past controversy

NEWS: Munster announced that it will part ways with one of their prospective assistant coaches shortly after the process of finalising his appointment.

Roger Randle’s move to Munster has been called off in the wake of backlash from the fanbase and resignations from both the club’s own Commercial Advisory Group and Professional Games Board.

Randle was named as a replacement for former attack coach Mike Prendergast in mid-April, but allegations from a 1997 trip to Durban, whilst Randle was with the Hurricanes, quickly resurfaced online.

The club made a statement defending the appointment the day after it was announced, insisting that “due diligence” had been carried out.

Randle was accused of rape during the Hurricanes’ 1997 tour to South Africa in the build-up to their Super Rugby clash with the Sharks.

He denied all allegations, and the charges were dropped in the process.

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Head coach Clayton McMillan, who worked with Randle at the Chiefs before joining Munster, defended his former colleague’s character when pressed at the team’s next media engagement, saying of Randle: “I’ve known Roger for a long time. I think he’s an outstanding human, well-loved by family and people that have worked alongside him for a long period of time.”

But it has now been decided that the club will not proceed with the appointment.

“This has been a difficult conclusion to reach, but after recent discussions, it became clear that this was the best course of action for Roger, his family, and Munster Rugby,” General Manager Ian Costello said.

“Our focus remains on supporting the team for the rest of the season and ensuring we have the best structures and systems in place for the 2026/27 season.”

McMillan has maintained his support of Randle’s character and coaching abilities, but has agreed to end a turbulent, short-lived chapter for the club.

“I want to acknowledge Roger’s professionalism throughout this process and the way he has engaged in what have been difficult discussions for everyone.

“I am personally disappointed that we will not have the opportunity to work together at Munster. I know Roger well; he’s an outstanding person and coach, and I believe he would have brought a real quality to the programme.

“My priority and immediate focus is supporting the players and staff, who have shown resolute focus during a challenging period, to deliver the strongest possible finish to the season.”

Randle himself added his voice to the announcement, expressing his disappointment while maintaining his innocence.

“I am deeply saddened that unfounded allegations from nearly 30 years ago — allegations I have always denied — have resurfaced during this process and overshadowed what was a wonderful opportunity to contribute to Munster Rugby.

“I want to state clearly that these claims are false, and I maintain my complete and unwavering innocence, as I always have.

“It became clear that the renewed public attention around these allegations had created circumstances where proceeding with the role was no longer the right outcome for our family. This is something that we accept with genuine sadness and disappointment.

“My priority now is supporting my family and moving forward, while continuing to stand by the truth.

“I would like to sincerely thank Clayton, the wider Munster Rugby organisation and its supporters, and I wish them every success in the future.”

With additional reporting by: Ned Lester @Rugbypass