Chiefs' Clayton McMillan To Depart For Munster Head Coach Role
Chiefs' Clayton McMillan To Depart For Munster Head Coach Role
Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan is set to leave NZ Rugby for Munster in 2025, bringing his expertise to the Irish province on a three-year deal.
All Blacks XV and Gallagher Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan will leave New Zealand at the conclusion of the 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season to take up the head coaching role at Munster Rugby in Ireland.
New Zealand Rugby General Manager of Professional Rugby and Performance Chris Lendrum confirmed McMillan had been granted an early release from his contract, which originally ran through 2026, allowing him to join the Irish province on a three-year deal beginning in July 2025.
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“Clayton has been open and transparent with NZR and the Chiefs about the opportunity to go to Ireland and his motivation to develop as a coach overseas,” Lendrum said. “His coaching record has been exceptional, and he has made a significant contribution to our national teams, including the New Zealand U20s, Māori All Blacks, New Zealand Barbarians and All Blacks XV.
"While we never want to lose a coach of Clayton’s quality, we believe he will grow from this experience and contribute to the New Zealand rugby environment in the future.”
McMillan, who has led the Chiefs since 2021, described the decision to leave as a difficult one.
“It has been an absolute privilege to work with the Chiefs and NZ Rugby,” McMillan said. “I am eternally grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded and for the support of those I have worked alongside.
“The decision to leave wasn’t easy – I love my job, the people we represent and what we value as a club. But I take real comfort in knowing the team is in great hands moving forward, with a talented playing group, coaches, and staff.
“Whilst I look forward to the challenge at Munster, I am solely focused on giving everything I have to the Chiefs as we build on a promising start, with the goal of being genuine contenders at the business end of the season.”
McMillan has been a highly successful coach with the Chiefs, guiding them to three Super Rugby finals since assuming the head coach role in 2021. His tenure has helped the Chiefs establish a strong culture and on-field success.
Chiefs Rugby Club CEO Simon Graafhuis expressed gratitude for McMillan’s contributions.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Clayton for everything he has done for our club since joining in 2021 and becoming head coach of the Gallagher Chiefs,” Graafhuis said. “Under Clayton’s guidance, we’ve not only enjoyed success on the field, but he has also played a significant role in embedding a strong culture and values at the Chiefs Rugby Club.
“We wish Clayton and his whānau all the best on their upcoming move and, in the meantime, look forward to having him lead us through the remainder of the DHL Super Rugby Pacific season.”
Munster has turned to McMillan as its next permanent head coach, replacing Graham Rowntree, who departed by mutual consent in October 2024.
McMillan’s appointment comes as part of a broader restructuring at Munster, with current attack coach Mike Prendergast stepping up as senior coach in a more centralized role overseeing team preparation, strategy, selection and recruitment.
McMillan, the first New Zealander to take charge of Munster since Rob Penney (2012-2014), described his appointment as an honour.
“I am humbled to be given the opportunity to lead Munster, an iconic club steeped in history,” McMillan said in a statement. “Leading the All Blacks XV against Munster last year gave me insight into the immense pride and passion of the club’s players, staff and wider rugby community. It was an incredible atmosphere and left a lasting impression.
“I am excited by the club’s ambition and core values. They align strongly with my own, and I look forward to joining the team in July.”
Munster’s reshuffle also will see Ian Costello transition from head of rugby operations to general manager, overseeing high-performance rugby and player pathway development. Costello played a key role in McMillan’s recruitment, which was signed off by IRFU performance director David Humphreys.
“In the last four months, we looked at both recruitment of a head coach and how we develop an optimal high-performance structure to ensure both short-term and long-term success at Munster Rugby,” Costello said. “Clayton has a wealth of knowledge and experience and a track record of developing young players. We believe he will be an excellent addition to what is already an outstanding coaching and performance support team.”
The incoming head coach will not be bringing in his own coaching staff, with Prendergast, defence coach Denis Leamy and skills coach Mossy Lawler all signing contract extensions that will keep them at Munster until 2027. Munster also is in the process of recruiting a new forward coach following Andy Kyriacou’s departure in November.
McMillan’s most recent encounter with Munster came last November when he led the All Blacks XV to a 38-24 victory over the Irish province at Thomond Park, just days after Rowntree’s departure.
His appointment comes as a surprise to many, with Prendergast and former Munster player Felix Jones initially considered front-runners for the job.
Despite the unexpected nature of the hire, McMillan’s track record suggests he will be well-suited to leading Munster into a new era while gaining valuable international coaching experience.
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