Former Lions star Jared Payne joins Munster as defence coach on two-year deal

Munster have finalised their coaching team for next season with the appointment of Jared Payne on a two-year deal, completing a ticket that also includes the newly confirmed forwards coach Jimmy Duffy and a contract extension for attack coach Mossy Lawler.

Payne, 40, brings an extensive playing and coaching pedigree to Thomond Park. A utility back who earned 20 Ireland caps and made 78 appearances for Ulster, he was part of the British & Irish Lions squad that toured New Zealand in 2017 — the country of his birth. His playing career ended prematurely through injury at the age of 32.

Since moving into coaching, Payne spent four years as Ulster’s defence coach before a season with ASM Clermont-Auvergne in France. He then joined the Scarlets, where he worked initially as attack coach before shifting his focus to defence — a role he held for three seasons.

Munster head coach Clayton McMillan said Payne’s breadth of experience across multiple rugby cultures made him the right fit. “Jared brings wide-ranging skills, having played and coached extensively in Ireland for 11 years as well as experiences in New Zealand, France and Wales,” McMillan said. “He has coached both sides of the ball and developed an excellent reputation for empowering players and assisting them to fulfil their potential.”

McMillan also welcomed Lawler’s extension, framing the attack portfolio as a two-person responsibility. “There is accountability to bring a higher level of detail to their respective areas 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 said he was drawn by the club’s culture and ambition. “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. 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.”

General manager Ian Costello described Payne as “a highly respected coach” who completes “a very exciting and ambitious coaching team for next season.”