3 Things To Know About Munster Rugby Entering 2025--26 URC Season

3 Things To Know About Munster Rugby Entering 2025--26 URC Season

Munster’s 2025–26 URC outlook with new coach Clayton McMillan, Peter O’Mahony’s retirement, and Tadhg Beirne’s impact.

Sep 26, 2025 by Joe Harrington
3 Things To Know About Munster Rugby Entering 2025--26 URC Season

Munster enters the 2025–26 United Rugby Championship in transition but full of ambition. They finished sixth in last year’s standings with 51 points, claiming nine wins and nine losses. 

Their physicality and set-piece remained reliable, but they lacked consistency against the top four. That leaves this season as a chance to reestablish themselves among the URC’s elite.

The identity of Munster Rugby is steeped in history. Founded in 1879, the province’s reputation rests on grit, passionate support at Thomond Park, and famous victories over global powerhouses. Twice winners of the European Champions Cup, Munster are known for their intensity and defensive resolve. Their fans expect playoff rugby as a baseline, and 2025–26 offers a new era under a fresh voice.

Statistically, Munster sat mid-table in scoring with 468 points and 70 tries. They also produced 201 offloads and gained 7,646 metres, showing attacking depth. Defensively, they made over 3,100 tackles at an 80% success rate, while discipline was an issue with 180 penalties conceded. Their scrum, though, was one of the most reliable at 93% success.

Clayton McMillan Ushers In A New Era

The biggest storyline for Munster is the arrival of new head coach Clayton McMillan. Hired away from the Chiefs in Super Rugby, McMillan led the Hamilton side from 2021 to 2025 and developed a reputation for fast, physical, and tactically sharp rugby. His appointment signals Munster’s intent to blend traditional forward strength with a modern attacking style. How quickly the squad adapts to his methods could define their season.

Peter O’Mahony’s Retirement Marks The End Of An Era

Munster will take the field this season without longtime captain Peter O’Mahony, who retired after the 2024–25 campaign. O’Mahony epitomized Munster rugby for more than a decade, leading with toughness, lineout excellence, and relentless work at the breakdown. His departure not only leaves a gap in leadership but also underscores the generational change happening within the squad. Munster now looks to younger forwards like Gavin Coombes to carry that mantle while honoring the legacy of their former skipper.

Tadhg Beirne Headlines A World-Class Pack

Munster still boasts one of the world’s best forwards in Tadhg Beirne, ranked No. 11 in FloRugby’s Top 100. Beirne’s versatility in the second row and back row makes him indispensable for set-piece work and breakdown turnovers. Alongside Coombes and Jean Kleyn, Munster’s pack remains their strength. In a league where scrums and lineouts win matches, Munster’s front five will continue to provide a strong foundation.

How To Watch Munster Rugby in the U.S.

All Munster matches in the 2025–26 United Rugby Championship and Investec Champions Cup will stream live on FloRugby in the United States. Fans can also watch on the FloSports app, available on mobile devices, tablets, and smart TVs.

Subscribe To The FloRugby Annual Plan To Watch Every Munster Match in 2025–26

A FloRugby annual plan is the best way to follow Munster all season. The subscription includes every URC and Champions Cup fixture, plus global rugby competitions.

European Union Rugby Lives On FloSports And FloRugby

Rugby fans can stream every match from the Top 14, Gallagher Premiership, and United Rugby Championship on FloRugby, along with the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, making the platform the U.S. home for the world’s biggest club competitions and the game’s top players

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

Professional club rugby in Europe all streams on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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