​Former England international Kieran Brookes has agreed a two-year contract with Munster, strengthening the Irish province’s pack ahead of the upcoming United Rugby Championship season. The 35-year-old tight-head prop arrives after two seasons with Perpignan in the Top14, bringing a wealth of experience to a Munster squad led by head coach Clayton McMillan. Brookes previously represented Ireland at under-20 level before switching allegiance to England, earning 16 Test caps and featuring for England at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He also has notable spells with Toulon, Leicester Tigers, Northampton Saints and Wasps. “I’m incredibly proud and excited to be joining Munster Rugby,” Brookes said. “The club has a rich history and a unique identity. I’m looking forward to meeting the fans, working with the players and coaches, and giving everything I can to contribute to the club’s success. I can’t wait to get started and to experience what it means to be part of Munster Rugby.”
In other squad news, Munster has confirmed a one-year contract extension for 34-year-old prop Michael Ala’alatoa. The Samoa international, who has 24 caps and has represented his country in two Rugby World Cups, joined Munster in December from Clermont Auvergne and started all remaining 18 games of last season. Head coach Clayton McMillan welcomed the arrivals and the retention, noting the strategic value of experience and depth in the squad’s front row.
“Signing a player of Kieran’s calibre is a real statement of intent for us, especially in such an attritional position,” McMillan stated. “His top-level experience, particularly in the set-piece, will be invaluable over the next two years. We’ve watched Mike’s impact closely this season, and his durability and leadership have been crucial for us over the past seven months. He has started every match since December and has been a positive influence off the field as well, and we anticipate him making a significant contribution again next season.”
Brookes’ arrival marks a notable enhancement to Munster’s front row as the club prepares for a demanding schedule in the United Rugby Championship. The experienced tight-head’s background at international and club level offers a blend of power, technique, and resilience that McMillan believes will bolster Munster’s scrum stability and overall forward play. Brookes’ career has been characterized by adaptability and longevity, attributes that align with Munster’s strategic goals of maintaining forward dominance and contesting at the breakdown, scrum, and lineout.
As Munster plots for the new campaign, the squad’s depth in the front-row department now includes a mix of seasoned internationals and emerging talents. The extension for Ala’alatoa ensures continuity in a key area, while Brookes’ signing adds a proven operator who has faced some of rugby’s toughest challenges across Europe. The club’s supporters can look forward to ongoing developments in the pack as Munster aims to build a cohesive, high-intensity forward unit capable of delivering consistent performances across all competitions.
With these announcements, Munster solidifies its commitment to strengthening the squad’s core dimensions—set-piece mastery, scrum power, and front-row versatility—as they prepare to compete at the highest level in the United Rugby Championship and beyond.