Content & Images from – Cardiff Rugby

Munster Rugby are delighted to announce that Tadhg Beirne has been named as the new captain ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Beirne joins a select group of eight players who have been named as permanent captain of the Munster Rugby men’s team in the professional era, following in the footsteps of Pat Murray, Mick Galwey, Jim Williams, Anthony Foley, Paul O’Connell, Doug Howlett and Peter O’Mahony.

Tadhg joined Munster from Scarlets in 2018 and quickly established himself as a vital player for province and country.

He made his Ireland debut against Australia in June 2018 and played his first game for Munster against Glasgow in September 2018.

The 32-year-old has gone on to score eight tries in 76 appearances for Munster, winning a URC title in 2023.

He has scored 11 tries in 52 appearances for Ireland and three tries in five appearances for the British & Irish Lions.

Following the announcement, Tadhg Beirne said: “It’s a huge honour to be named as captain of Munster Rugby and to lead a great group of players into the new season.

“I have had a fantastic six years here and it’s an incredibly proud moment for me and my family.

“Very few people have had the opportunity to captain Munster Rugby, and it’s a massive honour to follow in the footsteps of some incredible players and leaders.

“I had the privilege of leading the team a number of times in the past and the job was always made easier by the amount of leaders we have in the squad.

“We have a very tight-knit group and it means a lot to me to lead the squad as captain for the season ahead.”

Munster Rugby Head Coach Graham Rowntree said: “Tadhg is a world-class player who always leads by example. He is the right man to lead Munster into the new season.

“A player of his calibre commands respect and he has grown into a key leader for us since coming here in 2018.

“As a 52-cap Ireland international and British & Irish Lion, he demands the best out of everyone and drives standards within the group.

““He is an extremely calm presence on and off the field. It was very impressive to see how he was able to perform at his usual high level while captaining the squad in a number of big games last season.”

Tickets

URC Round 1: Saturday, September 21

Munster v Connacht, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here

URC Round 3: Saturday, October 5

Munster v Ospreys, Virgin Media Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here

Saturday, November 2

Munster v All Blacks XV, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; SOLD OUT

URC Round 7: Saturday, November 30

Munster v Emirates Lions, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here

Champions Cup Round 1: Saturday, December 7

Munster v Stade Francais, Thomond Park, 5:30pm; Buy tickets here

Champions Cup Round 3: Saturday, January 11

Munster v Saracens, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here

URC Round 9: Friday, December 27

Munster v Leinster, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here

URC Round 11: Saturday, February 15

Munster v Scarlets, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here

URC Round 12: Friday, February 28

Munster v Edinburgh, Virgin Media Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here

URC Round 15: Saturday, April 19

Munster v Bulls, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here

URC Round 17: Friday, May 9

Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here

URC Round 18: Friday, May 16

Munster v Benetton, Virgin Media Park, 8pm; Buy tickets here

Images & Content from Munster Rugby

Stuart McCloskey signs new two-year deal

23 hours ago

News

Facebook Twitter

Copy Link

Email Link

Ulster Rugby is pleased to announce that centre, Stuart McCloskey, has signed a new two-year contract extension, committing his future with his province until at least 2027.

One of the top centres in World Rugby, McCloskey has been a stalwart for Ulster Rugby, and is in-line to hit his 200th appearance in the white jersey over the coming season.

A regular in the international set-up with eighteen caps to-date, he has been a key member of the Ireland squad that has won back-to-back Guinness Six Nations Championships in 2023 and 2024.

The Bangor man also played his part in Ireland reaching the Quarter-Final stage of the Rugby World Cup in 2023.

McCloskey, who played club rugby with Dungannon RFC, made his Ulster debut in February 2014 – and has developed into an elite ball carrier, with strong ball in hand qualities.

Ulster Rugby’s Head of Recruitment and Rugby Operations, Bryn Cunningham, said:

“This is fantastic news for us as we get ready for the new season. Stuart is one of our most experienced international players in our squad, and a standout member of the team.

“Being a key presence for us, not only on the pitch, but off it as well, we see his current leadership role really growing and evolving, particularly with so many young players in and around the Senior Men’s squad. Stuart will be a great role model for this talent coming through.

“We are delighted he has chosen to commit his future for the next couple of seasons, as we hope to see this team continue to progress in the months ahead.”

On the new deal, McCloskey, added:

“I’m delighted to have signed a new contract for the next two years. I feel like I’m playing the best rugby of my career, and I’m enjoying my role as one of the more experienced players in the team.

“We have a squad packed with talent, and have a good blend between experience and youth. It’s exciting times around the place, and we have a core of young centres coming through that I’m excited to work with and help push them on.

“I’m really motivated and excited for the season ahead as we move forward.”

Images & Content – Ulster Rugby