Author: Joe Naughton
Published: May 2025

Introduction: Changing of the Guard in Irish Rugby

The 2025/26 season is ushering in a major transitional period for Irish provincial rugby. Between high-profile retirements, international signings, and academy reshuffles, the four provinces — Munster, Leinster, Ulster and Connacht — have collectively experienced 43 player departures and welcomed just 10 new arrivals.

This shift highlights a focus on leaner squads, internal player development, and the end of an era for several Irish legends. Here’s a breakdown of the key stats, followed by the full list of confirmed transfers.

Transfer Stats at a Glance:

• Total players in: 10
• Total players out: 43
• Mid-season exits: 10
• Retirements: 7
• International signings: 4
• Fly-halves lost: 4 (Byrne, Burns, Hanrahan, Morgan)
• Most departures: Ulster (17)
• Fewest departures: Connacht (7)

Notable New Signings:

• Rieko Ioane – Leinster
• Angus Bell – Ulster
• Juarno Augustus – Ulster
• Sam Gilbert – Connacht

Notable Retirements:

• Cian Healy – Leinster
• Peter O’Mahony – Munster
• Dave Kilcoyne – Munster
• Stephen Archer – Munster
• Andy Warwick – Ulster
• Marty Moore – Ulster
• Reuben Crothers – Ulster

Munster Transfers – 2025/26

Players In:

• JJ Hanrahan – Fly-half, 32 (from Connacht)
• Dan Kelly – Centre, 24 (from Leicester, ENG)
• Conor Ryan – Lock, 21 (from UCC)
• Andrew Smith – Winger 24 (from Connacht)

Players Out:

• Stephen Archer – Prop, 37 – Retired
• Dave Kilcoyne – Prop, 36 – Retired
• Peter O’Mahony – Back row, 35 – Retired
• Jack Daly – Back row, 26
• Cian Hurley – Back row, 25
• Conor Murray – Scrum-half, 36
• Billy Burns – Fly-half, 31
• Liam Coombes – Winger, 28
• Patrick Campbell – Fullback, 22
• Dian Bleuler – Prop, 25 (returned to Sharks, RSA)
• Eoghan Clarke – Hooker, 27 (to Saracens)
• Scott Buckley – Hooker, 25 (loan to Ealing Trailfinders)
• Bryan Fitzgerald – Centre, 26

Leinster Transfers – 2025/26

Players In:

• Rieko Ioane – Centre, 28 (from Blues, NZL)

Players Out:

• Cian Healy – Prop, 37 – Retired
• Ross Byrne – Fly-half, 30 (to Gloucester)
• Jordie Barrett – Centre, 28 (returned to Hurricanes)
• Rob Russell – Winger, 26
• Liam Turner – Winger, 25
• Rory McGuire – Prop, 22 (to Ulster)
• Ben Brownlee – Centre, 22
• Aitzol King – Winger, 23
• Michael Milne – Prop, 25 (loan to Munster)
• Lee Barron – Hooker, 24 (to Munster)

Ulster Transfers – 2025/26

Players In:

• Sam Crean – Prop, 25 (from Saracens)
• Angus Bell – Prop, 24 (from Waratahs)
• Juarno Augustus – Back row, 27 (from Northampton)
• Rory McGuire – Prop, 22 (from Leinster)

Players Out:

• Andy Warwick – Prop, 34
• Corrie Barrett – Prop, 27
• Alan O’Connor – Lock, 32
• Kieran Treadwell – Lock, 29 (to Harlequins)
• Matty Rea – Back row, 31
• Reuben Crothers – Back row, 23 – Retired
• John Cooney – Scrum-half, 35 (to Brive)
• Michael McDonald – Scrum-half, 26
• Aidan Morgan – Fly-half, 24
• Jack Boal – Prop, 22
• Cameron Doak – Prop, 18
• Zac Solomon – Hooker, 21
• Ben McFarlane – Winger, 20
• Rory Telfer – Fullback, 21
• Marty Moore – Prop, 34 – Retired
• Tadgh McElroy – Hooker, 28 (to Sale)
• Aaron Sexton – Winger, 24

Connacht Transfers – 2025/26

Players In:

• Sam Gilbert – Winger, 26 (from Highlanders)

Players Out:

• Conor Oliver – Back row, 29
• JJ Hanrahan – Fly-half, 32 (to Munster)
• Piers O’Conor – Centre, 29 (to Edinburgh)
• Santiago Cordero – Winger, 31
• Adam McBurney – Hooker, 28 (to Dinamo Bucharest)
• John Porch – Winger, 31 (to Vannes)
• Andrew Smith – Winger, 24 (loan to Munster)

Conclusion

With some of Ireland’s most iconic players hanging up their boots, and key internationals either joining or leaving, the 2025/26 season promises to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Ulster lead the clearout, while Munster and Leinster lose long-time leaders. Will academy graduates step up, or will recruitment spike again in 2026?

Stay tuned to SportsNewsIreland.com for further updates, pre-season previews, and exclusive player interviews.

The post 2025/26 Irish Rugby Transfers – Full List of Ins and Outs Across All Four Provinces appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Connacht Rugby have confirmed the exciting signing of New Zealand back Sam Gilbert from Super Rugby franchise the Highlanders, ahead of the 2025/26 United Rugby Championship season.

The 26-year-old arrives with a proven pedigree from the southern hemisphere, having made 56 appearances in Super Rugby for the Dunedin-based Highlanders. Across those games, Gilbert racked up over 320 points and crossed for 13 tries, underlining his consistency and attacking threat.

A product of Canterbury’s provincial system, Gilbert began his senior career as an out-half before developing into a dynamic and adaptable backline player. This season, he has primarily featured at full-back for the Highlanders, taking on kicking duties and showcasing his strong boot under pressure. However, his versatility has seen him cover multiple positions including inside centre, wing, and fly-half — making him a valuable asset for any squad.

All Blacks XV and Provincial Impact

Gilbert’s impressive form earned him selection for the All Blacks XV in 2024, where he made two appearances off the bench in their tour of Japan. Though he hasn’t yet received a full All Blacks cap, his involvement at that level highlights his international potential.

Domestically, he has also been a regular presence in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship (NPC), where he represented Otago 27 times between 2020 and 2024, scoring six tries.

Gilbert Excited for the Move to Galway

Speaking about the move, Sam Gilbert said:

“I’m delighted to be joining Connacht Rugby and take on a new challenge. I’ve loved my time with the Highlanders and will always be grateful for what the club has done for me!

After speaking with Connacht I believe this is the perfect club for me moving forward in my career.

They play a brand of rugby that is entertaining and exactly how I want to play the game, and I know there’s the new HPC and stadium which looks incredibly exciting too.

I can’t wait to make the move, get settled in the province and meet my new teammates and wider staff and supporters in the months ahead.”

A Strategic Signing for Connacht

Gilbert’s signing directly addresses two key areas Connacht have been looking to strengthen — full-back and goal-kicking. With his strong tactical awareness, reliable boot, and experience at the highest level of club rugby, the New Zealander is expected to make a major impact at The Sportsground.

The post Connacht Rugby Sign Versatile New Zealand Back Sam Gilbert from Highlanders appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Irish Rugby Transfers: 2025/26 Signings for Munster, Leinster, Ulster & Connacht (Updated Weekly)

Last Updated: March 5, 2025

The 2025/26 season is on the horizon, and while player movement across Ireland’s four provinces has been minimal, a few key signings have been confirmed. Will we see more transfers in the coming weeks? Here’s a weekly updated list of confirmed signings for each province.

Munster – Leading the Transfer Market

Munster have been the most active province so far, confirming four signings:

• Michael Milne (Prop, 25) – from Leinster (IRL)
• Lee Barron (Hooker, 24) – from Leinster (IRL)
• JJ Hanrahan (Fly-half, 32) – from Connacht (IRL)
• Dan Kelly (Centre, 24) – from Leicester Tigers (ENG)

With two front-row additions, a playmaker, and a promising centre in Dan Kelly, Munster are strengthening across key areas.

Ulster – A Single But Significant Addition

Ulster have made just one signing so far:

• Juarno Augustus (Back row, 27) – from Northampton Saints (ENG)

The powerful South African No. 8 will bring much-needed physicality to Ulster’s back row.

Leinster – No Confirmed Signings Yet

Leinster have yet to announce any additions. Given their incredible academy pipeline, they may not feel the need to recruit externally. Will that change?

Connacht – Yet to Enter the Market

Like Leinster, Connacht have yet to confirm any signings. With JJ Hanrahan leaving for Munster, will they look for a replacement?

Should We Be Concerned About the Lack of Transfers?

Compared to previous seasons, Irish rugby’s transfer activity has been unusually quiet. Munster and Ulster have made moves, but Leinster and Connacht remain inactive.

• Are budgets tighter than before?
• Is there confidence in homegrown talent?
• Will we see late-window signings?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Latest Irish Rugby Transfers (Updated Weekly)

Province	Player	Position	Age	From
Munster	Michael Milne	Prop	25	Leinster
Munster	Lee Barron	Hooker	24	Leinster
Munster	JJ Hanrahan	Fly-half	32	Connacht
Munster	Dan Kelly	Centre	24	Leicester
Ulster	Juarno Augustus	Back row	27	Northampton
Leinster
Connacht

This table will be updated weekly as new signings are announced.

Have Your Say!

Are you surprised by the lack of movement so far? Which province needs to strengthen most? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Irish Rugby Transfers: 2025/26 Signings for Munster, Leinster, Ulster & Connacht (Updated Weekly) appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.