Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan to step down at end of October

Munster Rugby announced on Thursday that chief executive Ian Flanagan will leave his post at the end of October.

Flanagan, who has served as CEO since October 2019, informed the Munster Rugby Board of his decision to step down. The province issued a statement confirming the resignation and thanking him for his service.

Munster Rugby Chair Ger Malone praised Flanagan’s “dedication and commitment”, noting his central role in delivering the €7.3 million Centre of Excellence in Cork, a long‑term investment in player development and the wider game.

Flanagan said leading his home province had been “a huge privilege” and thanked volunteers, staff, sponsors, coaches, players and supporters for their commitment.

The board said an interim CEO will be appointed in the coming weeks and a recruitment process for a permanent successor will commence in due course.

The resignation comes as Munster’s Independent Governance and Organisational Review, commissioned by the board and led by Dr Martin Kelleher, is expected to be delivered by the end of September. The review follows controversy over the aborted appointment of New Zealand attack coach Roger Randle, which led to resignations from the Professional Games Committee and the Commercial Advisory Group.

Flanagan previously apologised for the Randle appointment mishandling and accepted responsibility for the governance issues that prompted the independent review.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Selim Karadayı / Pexels.