Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan will step down at the end of October following months of scrutiny surrounding the province’s management and governance.
Munster Rugby and the IRFU confirmed the news in a joint statement, with Flanagan informing the board of his decision to leave.
His departure follows a difficult period off the pitch, during which Munster commissioned an independent governance review. Its findings have yet to be made public.
The province also faced criticism over the appointment of Roger Randle as attack coach earlier this year. That decision prompted former players Billy Holland, Mick O’Driscoll and Killian Keane to resign from Munster’s Professional Game Board.
Randle’s appointment was subsequently terminated by mutual agreement, with Flanagan accepting full responsibility for the original decision.
More recently, former Munster players Johne Murphy and Ian Keatley publicly called for changes at the top of the organisation. Former Munster and Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony also criticised the province’s governance.
Munster Rugby Chair Ger Malone thanked Flanagan for his dedication, highlighting his role in delivering the €7.3 million Centre of Excellence in Cork.
Flanagan described leading his home province as a huge privilege and thanked the staff, players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and supporters.
An interim CEO will be announced in the coming weeks, with recruitment for a permanent successor to follow.
While there have also been reports suggesting general manager Ian Costello could depart, RTÉ Sport reports that he is not currently expected to step down.
