Munster statement: CEO to step down
NEWS: Munster have confirmed that chief executive Ian Flanagan will leave his position at the end of October, bringing his six-year tenure at the Irish province to a close.
Flanagan, who was appointed CEO in 2019, informed the Munster Rugby Board of his decision. The province and the IRFU will appoint an interim chief executive in the coming weeks before beginning the search for a permanent successor.
His departure comes as Munster continue their campaign in the United Rugby Championship, marking another significant off-field change for the province.
During his time in charge, Flanagan played a central role in the development and delivery of Munster’s €7.3-million Centre of Excellence in Cork, a major investment in player development and the wider game across the province.
Munster Rugby chair Ger Malone paid tribute to Flanagan’s contribution, highlighting the facility as a key achievement of his tenure.
“Ian has served Munster Rugby with dedication and commitment during his time as CEO. He played a central role in the development and delivery of the €7.3 million Centre of Excellence in Cork, which represents an important long-term investment in player development and the wider game across the province.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Ian for his contribution to Munster Rugby and wish him every success for the future.”
Flanagan described leading his home province as a privilege and thanked the people who supported him during his time in the role.
“Leading my home province has been a huge privilege. I would like to thank the many people I have worked alongside during my time with Munster Rugby, including our volunteers, staff, sponsors, coaches and players.
“I would also like to thank our supporters for their unwavering commitment to Munster over many years. I wish the province every success in the future.”
Flanagan’s exit comes shortly after former Munster and Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony called for governance changes at the province, questioning how the club was being run.
Speaking on the For the Love of Rugby podcast, O’Mahony said Munster needed to take responsibility for addressing its own challenges and called for a closer look at its leadership and governance.
“Munster needs to help itself,” he said. “I think Munster needs a little bit of a governance change. I think they need to look at who’s looking after the place properly.
“I’ve been on record a good few time. You look at Leinster and having Leo Cullen there for that long, and every decision that Leo’s made over however long he’s been there has been with Leinster’s best interests at heart.
“I know they’ve lost a few games and whatever, but I know for a fact he’s into the S&C coaches and all the schools, he’s all over the clubs, he’s all over delivering a Leinster.
“Munster needs somebody like that who has Munster’s best interests at heart and is looking after the place better than it is now.”
The timing of Flanagan’s departure follows O’Mahony’s public comments, although Munster have not linked the two developments.
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