Ian Flanagan to step down as Munster CEO
Ian Flanagan will leave his role as Munster Rugby CEO at the end of October as the province continues an organisational review.
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Munster Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed that Ian Flanagan will step down as the province’s chief executive at the end of October, bringing his seven-year tenure in the role to a close.
Ian Flanagan to leave Munster Rugby
Flanagan informed the Munster Rugby Board of his decision after serving as CEO since October 2019.
His departure comes during a period of heightened scrutiny around Munster’s governance and off-field operations. Earlier this year, the province commissioned an independent review examining governance, leadership, culture, communications and wider organisational arrangements.
Former Munster players Conor Murray and Peter O’Mahony have also criticised aspects of the province’s operations in their autobiographies, including budget cuts, recruitment decisions, travel arrangements, academy support and consultation with senior players.
Munster highlights €7.3m Cork investment
Munster Rugby Chair Ger Malone thanked Flanagan for his contribution and highlighted his role in delivering the province’s €7.3 million Centre of Excellence in Cork.
"Ian has served Munster Rugby with dedication and commitment during his time as CEO.
"He played a central role in the development and delivery of the €7.3 million Centre of Excellence in Cork, which represents an important long-term investment in player development and the wider game across the province.
"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Ian for his contribution to Munster Rugby and wish him every success for the future.”
Flanagan described leading his home province as a major privilege and thanked Munster’s volunteers, staff, sponsors, coaches, players and supporters for their contribution during his time as CEO.
"Leading my home province has been a huge privilege. I would like to thank the many people I have worked alongside during my time with Munster Rugby, including our volunteers, staff, sponsors, coaches and players.
"I would also like to thank our supporters for their unwavering commitment to Munster Rugby over many years. I wish the province every success in the future."
Munster begins search for new CEO
Flanagan’s departure will leave Munster seeking new executive leadership as the province’s independent governance and organisational review continues.
An interim CEO is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, while Munster Rugby and the IRFU will begin a recruitment process for a permanent successor.
