Munster have confirmed that Academy hooker Max Clein has been promoted to the senior squad ahead of next season after signing a one-year deal with the province.

Clein becomes the fourth Academy player to step up to the senior setup this year, joining Ben O’Connor, Seán Edogbo, and Ronan Foxe in earning professional contracts.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a remarkable rise through the ranks after originally playing in the back row during his school’s rugby days. Clein was part of the Crescent College Comprehensive side that captured the Pinergy Munster Schools Senior Cup title in 2022 alongside Ruadhán Quinn.

Having played his underage rugby with Garryowen FC, Villiers School, and Crescent College, Clein made the switch to hooker after leaving school and quickly established himself as one of the province’s brightest young prospects.

He made his All-Ireland League debut for Garryowen in October 2022 and impressed throughout the 2022/23 campaign, making 13 appearances while also featuring for Munster A and a Munster Development side.

Clein’s performances also helped him earn international recognition with the Ireland national under-20 rugby union team squad that reached the final of the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship.

After joining the Munster Rugby Academy in October 2023, Clein continued his development and made his first senior Munster appearance in the uncapped friendly against Harlequins in February 2024.

Over the past three years, he has become a regular presence for both Garryowen and Munster A, before earning his first senior Munster cap against Argentina XV at Thomond Park last November.

Munster Rugby General Manager Ian Costello praised Clein’s progress, describing his transition from back-row player to professional hooker in just four years as “extremely rare in professional sport.”

Costello also credited the Munster Academy staff for supporting Clein’s development, while praising the player’s dedication and commitment in reaching the professional ranks.

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