Ex-Ireland centre Payne joins Munster as attack coach
Payne recently left his role as Scarlets defence coach
- Published
Munster have appointed former Ireland international Jared Payne as the province's new attack coach on a two-year deal.
The 40-year-old, who spent four years as Ulster defence coach between 2018 and 2022 after a seven-year playing stint in Belfast, will combine attack and backline coaching responsibilities with Mossy Lawler, who has extended his Munster deal until 2028.
New Zealand-born Payne, who earned 20 Ireland caps between 2014 and 2017, also coached Clermont before a three-year spell with Scarlets that ended last month.
Payne said he was "incredibly grateful" for the opportunity to join Munster, whose 2025-26 season ended with a United Rugby Championship quarter-final loss to the Bulls on 30 May.
"Munster is a club with a proud history, strong values and a special connection with its supporters and community. As a family, we're excited to become part of that," he said.
"There is a huge amount of ambition across the club and I'm looking forward to working alongside the players and staff to help move the club forward.
"There is a lot to be excited about and I can't wait to get started."
Welcoming the move, Munster head coach Clayton McMillan said Payne has "developed an excellent reputation for empowering players and assisting them to fulfil their potential".
"I'm equally delighted that Mossy has extended his contract," added McMillan.
"The attack portfolio is vast, and I have always had the view that it is a two-person job.
"There is accountability to bring a higher level of detail to their respective areas of responsibility within our attack framework, and I believe that in Mossy and Jared, we have two innovative and detailed coaches who will work outstandingly well together."
Payne's arrival follows Jimmy Duffy's appointment as forwards coach after leaving Ulster.
Munster initially appointed Roger Randle as attack coach but the move was called off after his planned arrival was met by opposition in some quarters after a 1997 rape allegation resurfaced.
The alleged incident occurred in Durban, South Africa, during Randle's playing days with Super Rugby side Hurricanes - a charge that was dropped by the complainant and one he has always denied.
