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Munster confirm exit of Niall O'Donovan after 28 years
By Ian Cameron
Munster Rugby have confirmed that long-serving Team Manager Niall O’Donovan will leave the province at the end of the current season, ending a 28-year association with Munster and Irish rugby.
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A former Shannon no.8, O’Donovan played for the Limerick club between 1977 and 1993, a period in which Shannon contested 11 Munster Senior Challenge Cup finals and won seven. He then transitioned into coaching, guiding Shannon from the brink of relegation in 1993/94 to four successive All-Ireland League titles between 1995 and 1998.
He joined Munster as Assistant Coach in 1997, playing a role in the side’s development into one of Europe’s leading outfits, reaching two Heineken Cup finals in 2000 and 2002.
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His work with Ireland A led to his promotion in 2002 to Forwards Coach of the Ireland men’s team. He contributed to Triple Crown wins in 2004, 2006 and 2007 and served as acting Head Coach on Ireland’s 2005 tour to Japan.
Returning to Munster in 2010, he initially worked with the ‘A’ side before taking over as Team Manager in 2012, a role he has held for 13 seasons. During that time, Munster consolidated their operations at the High Performance Centre in UL and captured the 2023 URC title.
O’Donovan said: “I was extremely fortunate to have worked alongside many fantastic characters who created the strong identity and unique culture at the province. People who did more than anyone else in transforming Munster Rugby from an amateur organisation into one of the best clubs in Europe.
“So many things have changed beyond recognition from when I joined Munster in the early days of professional rugby in 1997.
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“It was an amazing adventure as we navigated a new era of pro rugby, led by Garrett Fitzgerald, and watched Munster grow at an incredible speed on and off the pitch. The memories of those special days will live with me forever and I will always be grateful for the part I got to play in it.
“After a very enjoyable eight years coaching with Ireland and Ireland A, I was delighted to return in 2012 and work with Axel again having coached him when he played with Shannon, Munster and Ireland.”
Head of Rugby Operations Ian Costello described O’Donovan as “one of the most widely respected figures in Munster Rugby for the past 28 years,” adding “He represents everything that is good about the club… he is the first person that people turn to when they need help.
“Personally, it has been an absolute privilege to work closely with him for over a decade and I can’t thank him enough for the level of support he has given me and so many others that have been lucky enough to work with him at Munster.”
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