Irish Rugby Transfers 2025/26: All Provinces
Major shifts are happening in Irish rugby! The 2025/26 season brings substantial roster changes across all four provinces: Munster, Leinster, Ulster, and Connacht. Witness 43 player departures alongside only 10 new arrivals, signaling a strategic realignment. Ulster leads with 17 players leaving, while Connacht experiences the least turnover with seven changes.International signings such as Rieko Ioane to Leinster, Angus bell and Juarno Augustus to Ulster, and Sam Gilbert to Connacht suggest strategic squad strengthening. These transfers and retirements will reshape team dynamics. For the full picture,read News Directory 3’s in-depth analysis of each province’s moves. Discover what’s next as these provinces retool!
Irish Rugby Provinces Undergo Major Roster Changes for 2025/26 Season
Updated May 26, 2025
A significant transformation is underway in Irish rugby as the four provinces—Munster, leinster, Ulster, and Connacht—prepare for the 2025/26 season. The landscape is shifting with a total of 43 player departures and only 10 new arrivals, signaling a strategic move toward leaner squads and internal development.
The changes also mark the end of an era for several iconic players.Ulster experiences the most significant turnover with 17 departures, while Connacht sees the fewest with seven.
Key international signings include Rieko Ioane joining Leinster, Angus Bell and Juarno Augustus heading to Ulster, and Sam Gilbert signing with Connacht. these additions aim to inject fresh talent and experience into the provincial setups.
Retirements include Cian Healy (Leinster), Peter O’Mahony, Dave Kilcoyne and Stephen Archer (all Munster), and Andy Warwick, Marty Moore and Reuben crothers (all Ulster).
Munster Transfers
Munster welcomes JJ Hanrahan (from Connacht), Dan Kelly (from Leicester), Conor ryan (UCC), and Andrew Smith (from Connacht). Departing players include Stephen Archer, Dave Kilcoyne, Peter O’Mahony, Jack Daly, Cian Hurley, Conor Murray, Billy Burns, Liam Coombes, Patrick Campbell, Dian Bleuler, Eoghan Clarke, Scott Buckley and Bryan Fitzgerald.
Leinster Transfers
Leinster gains Rieko Ioane. Players leaving include Cian Healy, Ross Byrne, Jordie Barrett, Rob Russell, Liam Turner, Rory McGuire, ben Brownlee, Aitzol King, Michael Milne and Lee Barron.
Ulster Transfers
Ulster adds Sam Crean, Angus Bell, Juarno Augustus and Rory McGuire to their roster. The province sees the departure of andy Warwick, Corrie Barrett, Alan O’Connor, Kieran Treadwell, Matty Rea, Reuben Crothers, John Cooney, Michael McDonald, Aidan Morgan, Jack Boal, Cameron Doak, Zac Solomon, Ben McFarlane, Rory Telfer, Marty Moore, Tadgh McElroy and Aaron Sexton.
Connacht Transfers
Connacht welcomes Sam Gilbert. Departing players include Conor Oliver, JJ Hanrahan, Piers O’Conor, Santiago cordero, Adam McBurney, John Porch and Andrew Smith.
What’s next
The 2025/26 season is poised to be unpredictable as provinces adjust to these significant personnel changes. The focus will be on whether academy graduates can step up and fill the void left by departing veterans and whether further recruitment will be necessary in 2026.