Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan will leave the club at the end of the Super Rugby season to take over the top job at Irish giants Munster.
McMillan will depart after five years at the Chiefs – having led them to three Super Rugby finals – and the move could help his prospects of leading the All Blacks in the future.
Fellow Kiwis Warren Gatland, Steve Hansen and Graham Henry all spent time coaching overseas clubs before taking on an international role.
(Photo by Michael Bradley/Getty Images)
McMillan has also coached the Maori All Blacks and an All Blacks XV.
Munster have been under the interim control of Ian Costello since Graham Rowntree left in October.
Costello will now move into a newly created general manager position with attack coach Mike Prendergast becoming senior coach.
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“I am humbled to be given the opportunity to lead Munster, an iconic club steeped in history,” McMillan told Munster’s official website.
“Leading the All Blacks XV against Munster last year gave me insight into the immense pride and passion of the club’s players, staff and wider rugby community. It was an incredible atmosphere and left a lasting impression.
“I am excited by the club’s ambition and core values. They align strongly with my own, and I look forward to joining the team in July.”
The Chiefs said in a statement that McMillan’s departure “comes with the full blessing of the club”.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Clayton for everything he has done for our club since joining in 2021 and becoming head coach of the Chiefs,” Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis said.
“Under Clayton’s guidance we’ve not only enjoyed success on the field, but Clayton has also played a significant role in embedding a strong culture and values at the Chiefs Rugby Club.
“We wish Clayton and his whānau all the best on their upcoming move and in the meantime look forward to having him lead us through the remainder of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
“The club has a belief, ‘Once a Chief. Always a Chief.’ Clayton and his family will always be welcomed as part of the Chiefs environment.”
McMillan added: “It has been an absolute privilege to work with the Gallagher Chiefs and NZ Rugby. 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 Gallagher Chiefs as we build on a promising start, with the goal of being genuine contenders at the business end of the season.”
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