Munster secure key contract extensions
Munster have six wins from 11 matches in the United Rugby Championship
©Steve Haag
Munster Rugby have confirmed contract extensions for John Ryan, Fineen Wycherley, and Fionn Gibbons, reinforcing their squad for the coming seasons.
Wycherley has committed to a two-year deal until 2027, while Ryan has signed a one-year extension. Gibbons, meanwhile, becomes the fifth academy player to progress to the senior squad next season.
Ryan, 36, has been a key figure for Munster, amassing 238 appearances and scoring six tries. The 24-cap Ireland international was part of the Grand Slam-winning squad in 2018 and also featured in the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
After returning to Munster in 2023 following spells with Wasps and Exeter Chiefs, he has made 33 appearances for the province.
Lock Wycherley, 27, has played 121 matches for Munster since his debut in 2017, crossing the try line eight times. He made his Ireland senior debut against the USA in 2021 and played a pivotal role in Munster’s URC title-winning campaign in 2023.
Having earned his 100th Munster cap against Ulster in 2023, Wycherley has been a near ever-present this season, featuring in 15 of Munster’s 16 games.
Promising centre/winger Fionn Gibbons, 22, has earned a one-year development contract, moving up from the academy. A standout performer for Young Munster RFC, Gibbons was part of Ireland’s U20 Grand Slam-winning squad in 2022, scoring three tries in four games.
Since joining the Munster Academy in 2022, he has made two senior appearances, debuting against Connacht in October 2022 before featuring against the Sharks last season.
He joins a group of rising stars securing senior contracts for next season, including Shay McCarthy, Evan O’Connell, Ruadhán Quinn, and Kieran Ryan.
Meanwhile, Ulster have reinforced their front row by securing a short-term loan deal for Irish-qualified loosehead prop Sam Crean from Saracens.
Crean, 24, has previously represented England at U20 level, making two appearances. His arrival provides Ulster with additional depth in the front row as they push forward in their domestic and European campaigns.
