Munster have confirmed that Roger Randle will no longer be joining the province as attack coach, with the decision described as being by “mutual agreement”. The 51-year-old former All Black was announced as the replacement for Bath-bound Mike Prendergast on 15 April, but his appointment faced opposition after a historic rape allegation from 1997 resurfaced.
The charge was dropped by the complainant and always denied by Randle, but three members of Munster’s professional game committee stepped down following the announcement. In a statement, Randle said: “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, who earned two caps for the All Blacks, added: “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.”
Munster currently sit fifth in the United Rugby Championship standings with two rounds remaining in the regular season.
