Chris Boyd has joined the coaching ticket as Alex Nankivell and Stephen Archer re-sign
It’s been an eventful 48 hours in Limerick as Munster Rugby and the IRFU announced the contract renewals of fan favourites Alex Nankivell and Stephen Archer on Monday and followed it up with the appointment of legendary Kiwi coach Chris Boyd as a “Performance Consultant” on Tuesday.
Alex Nankivell’ extension sees him stay in red until at least 2027, while Archer has signed on until season’s end. Boyd’s hiring has an undisclosed timeline, with Munster saying it is “over the coming months”.
The appointment of former Hurricanes and Northampton Saints head coach Chris Boyd will be deemed as a coup for the province. The coveted New Zealander is credited for turning around the Saints during his tenure, of which they built upon his foundations to win last season’s Gallagher Premiership. Boyd was also with the Hurricanes between 2015 and 2016, winning one Super Rugby title, and acting as an excellent attacking coach for the likes of Beauden and Jordie Barrett.
Munster CEO Ian Flanagan said in a statement “We are thrilled to have someone of Chris’ experience and calibre join us for what will be a very busy period for the club. We have a huge amount of trust and belief in our coaching group who have done an excellent job over the past month and the addition of Chris will supplement the talent we have in this area.” Current interim Head Coach Ian Costello went on to add “To be able to add someone of Chris’ experience and standing to that group is very exciting”.
A day earlier the contract extensions for Alex Nankivell and Stephen Archer were met with widespread fanfare for two cult heroes. Archer, who was twice capped for Ireland, is the club’s record caps holder at 290, and counting, in his sixteen years at the club. The Cork man played a starring role in the 2023 URC title victory and will be keen to cap off his rich career with silverware before season’s end.
Nankivell is much newer to these shores having joined up with the province back in the Autumn of 2023. The Māori All Black has scored 4 tries in 22 appearances for the club since his move from the Chiefs in Super Rugby. The abrasive centre is currently non-Irish Qualified but has long stated his admiration for the local people in the area, making the decision to stay that much easier.
Munster welcome Parisian outfit Stade Francais to Thomond Park this coming Saturday in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup.