Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan is leaving New Zealand to coach Irish club Munster at the end of this season.
It is a surprise announcement from a coach who took the Chiefs to the Super Rugby final in 2024, when they lost to the Blues, and whose team has started this season with two superb wins over the Blues and Crusaders.
McMillan, a former police officer, is also the All Blacks XV coach and was thought to have a bright future in New Zealand. He had been contracted until the end of next year. He will replace Graham Rowntree as head coach of Munster.
In a statement this morning, New Zealand Rugby general manager of professional rugby and performance Chris Lendrum said McMillan had requested and been granted an early release from his contract.
“Clayton has been open and transparent with NZR and the Chiefs about the opportunity to go to Ireland and his motivation to develop as a coach overseas and he goes with our collective blessing and our best wishes," Lendrum said.
“His coaching record has been exceptional, and he has made a significant contribution to our national teams including the New Zealand U20s, Māori All Blacks, New Zealand Barbarians, and All Blacks XV.
"While we never want to lose a coach and person of Clayton’s quality, we believe he will grow from his experience overseas and contribute to the New Zealand rugby environment again in the future.”
McMillan, who is contracted to Munster until 2028 and will join the club in July this year, said it had been a tough decision to leave the Chiefs.
“It has been an absolute privilege to work with the Chief’s and NZ Rugby," he said. "I am eternally grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded, and for the support of those I have worked alongside.
“The decision to leave wasn’t easy – I love my job, the people we represent, and what we value as a club. But I take real comfort in knowing the team is in great hands moving forward, with a talented playing group, coaches and staff.
“Whilst I look forward to the challenge at Munster, I am solely focused on giving everything I have to the Chiefs as we build on a promising start, with the goal of being genuine contenders at the business end of the season.”
McMillan has led the Chiefs to three Super Rugby finals since taking the head coach role in 2021.
He took over from Warren Gatland, who struggled on his return to New Zealand from Wales and the British and Irish Lions.
Gatland is now looking for a job after recently leaving Wales on the back of 14 consecutive Test defeats, but must be unlikely to be considered for a return to the Chiefs.
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