Squad Update | Pre-Season Begins At HPC

27th July 2026 By The Editor

Dan Kelly at the HPC. Munster Rugby

The Munster squad started their pre-season training programme last week ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

New signings Jack Aungier, Kieran Brookes, Will Harrison and Marnus van der Merwe have all joined their new team-mates at the HPC with Forwards Coach Jimmy Duffy and Assistant Coach Jared Payne completing the coaching team.

Academy graduates Max Clein, Seán Edogbo, Ronan Foxe, Ben O’Connor and Ben O’Donovan have also started their first pre-season as members of the senior squad.

Captain Tadhg Beirne, Craig Casey and Jeremy Loughman have started their respective off-seasons following their involvement in Ireland’s Nations Championship fixtures this month and will join the squad later this summer.

New Academy recruit Christian Foley has started his pre-season training programme. Christopher Barrett, Rob Carney, Jamie Conway, Joe Finn, Alex Lautsou, James O’Leary and Charlie O’Shea will join training at the HPC next month following their involvement with the Ireland U20s at the Junior World Championship in Georgia.

In player news, Roman Salanoa’s contract will expire this week but he will continue his rehabilitation at the HPC until the end of September whereby it is hoped that the prop will return to action for Nenagh Ormond RFC in Division 1B of the Men’s All Ireland League.

Salanoa, who has scored two tries in 30 appearances for the province, is continuing to recover from a hamstring injury.

A URC title-winner in 2023, Salanoa made his Munster debut against Edinburgh at Thomond Park in October 2020 after joining from Leinster.

He was selected for the Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa at the start of the 2022/23 campaign and went on to enjoy his most productive season, making 21 appearances (10 starts) as Munster won the URC title.

A long-term knee injury saw him miss the following two seasons before making a return to action with Nenagh Ormond and Munster A last season.

Munster Rugby General Manager Ian Costello said: “Roman is a hugely popular and respected member of our squad who has shown outstanding commitment and resilience throughout a challenging injury period. While a setback prevented him from returning before the end of last season, our medical team will continue to support his recovery in the coming months with the aim of returning to AIL rugby early in the new season.

“We also thank Nenagh Ormond RFC for working with us to help Roman integrate back into AIL rugby, and we’re delighted he has chosen to play locally while remaining closely connected to Munster.”

Roman Salanoa will continue his rehabilitation at the HPC.

Munster will play pre-season fixtures against La Rochelle in France and Leicester Tigers at Virgin Media Park with fixture details below.

Pre-Season Fixtures

Friday, August 28

Stade Rochelais v Munster Rugby, Stade Marcel Deflandre, 7.30pm;

Friday, September 18

Munster Rugby v Leicester Tigers, Virgin Media Park, 7.15pm; Match tickets available here

Please note, 11-Game Season Membership holders will be contacted directly with details of how to redeem their complimentary ticket for the Leicester fixture.