Overview
- Jimmy Duffy was confirmed on Friday as Munster’s new forwards coach on a two‑year deal and will join the senior staff ahead of the 2026/27 season.
- Seán Cronin will move back into a full‑time Provincial Talent Coach role and take on Pathway Scrum Coach duties to lead front‑row development across Munster’s academy and youth system.
- Munster head coach Clayton McMillan and general manager Ian Costello praised Duffy’s record for developing players and his focus on forward identity and accountability.
- Multiple outlets report Duffy succeeds Alex Codling in the forwards coaching position, framing the hire as a managed succession rather than adding extra senior staff.
- Duffy brings a broad coaching CV that includes Connacht’s 2016 Pro12 staff, involvement with Tonga’s 2021 tour, Ireland U20s’ 2022 Grand Slam, two seasons with Western Force and two seasons at Ulster, which Munster say equips him to accelerate pathway progression for young forwards.