Munster cancel appointment of Roger Randle after backlash over historic rape allegation

Munster have confirmed that Roger Randle will no longer be joining the club as attack coach by “mutual agreement”. Randle, currently an assistant with the Chiefs in New Zealand, had been announced as a replacement for Bath-bound Mike Prendergast on 15 April, but his appointment was met with opposition as a 1997 rape allegation resurfaced. The charge was dropped by the complainant and always denied by Randle, but three members of Munster’s professional game committee stepped down after the announcement that he would be joining the United Rugby Championship (URC) side.

And Munster have now confirmed that the 51-year-old, capped twice by the All Blacks, will no longer be taking up the role. "I am deeply saddened that unfounded allegations from nearly 30 years ago - allegations I have always denied - have resurfaced during this process and overshadowed what was a wonderful opportunity to contribute to Munster Rugby," Randle said. "I want to state clearly that these claims are false, and I maintain my complete and unwavering innocence, as I always have.

"It became clear that the renewed public attention around these allegations had created circumstances where proceeding with the role was no longer the right outcome for our family. This is something that we accept with genuine sadness and disappointment. "My priority now is supporting my family and moving forward, while continuing to stand by the truth.

"I would like to sincerely thank Clayton, the wider Munster Rugby organisation and its supporters, and I wish them every success in the future. " Munster are fifth in the URC standings with two rounds to go.