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Rugby

09th Apr 2025

Fans voice outrage at IRFU over new Jack Crowley contract

Colman Stanley

Some folk were not pleased at all.

Most level-headed supporters breathed a sigh of relief after the news that Jack Crowley will be staying put at Munster for at least another two years.

Yet, many took to social media to voice their complaints.

After much speculation about a lucrative move to either England or France, it was announced today that Crowley has signed a contract with Munster, with the IRFU contributing a portion of the funds, keeping the out-half at the province until 2027.

It is good business for both Crowley and Munster/IRFU, as Sam Prendergast, who recently usurped the Munster man as Ireland’s first-choice No 10, only signed a provincial contract with Leinster, despite being ahead in the pecking order.

And while Crowley has been in game-winning form in recent weeks, getting Player of the Match against both Connacht and La Rochelle, he did have a disappointing outing against Italy in the Six Nations.

Nevertheless, the 25-year-old Corkonian has more than earned his money and is a vital asset for both club and country.

However, many felt that the contract should have been a central one, fully funded by the IRFU.

In a statement, Munster rugby said: “Munster Rugby and the IRFU are pleased to confirm a two-year contract extension for Jack Crowley that will keep him at the province until at least 2027.

“The Innishannon man has scored 305 points in 65 appearances for Munster since making his senior debut against Ulster in the 2020/21 season.

“Crowley played his age-grade rugby with Bandon RFC and Bandon Grammar School, winning the Munster U18 Club Cup title and the U18 All Ireland Cup with Bandon in 2018.

“The Cork Constitution clubman joined the Munster Rugby Academy in 2020 and starred for the Ireland U20s in that year’s Six Nations, scoring 36 points in three games as Ireland clinched the Triple Crown before the campaign was cut short.

“Crowley moved up to the senior squad ahead of the 2021/22 campaign and started his first URC and Champions Cup games for Munster that season.

“The 2022/23 season was a special one for Crowley as he helped Munster to a URC title and made his Ireland debut.

“Crowley featured at his first World Cup in 2023 and went on to start seven consecutive games for Ireland during the victorious 2024 Six Nations campaign and summer tour to South Africa. Overall, Crowley has earned 24 Ireland caps to date, scoring 129 points.

“Last season, the 25-year-old was named 2023/24 URC Players’ Player of the Year, URC Next-Gen Player of the Year and was named on the URC Elite XV.

“Crowley has made 11 appearances for Munster so far this season and won consecutive Player of the Match awards away to La Rochelle and Connacht over the past fortnight.”

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