Munster Say Jack Crowley Is Not Expected Back Until New Year

Munster have said Ireland fly-half Jack Crowley is not expected to return from injury until the new year, extending an absence that began in April. BBC Sport reported the update after the province confirmed the 26-year-old remains sidelined by a blood vessel issue in his leg.

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Crowley missed the end of Munster's 2025-26 campaign as well as Ireland's Nations Championship matches against Australia, Japan and New Zealand in July. With his comeback now projected beyond the end of 2026, he is also set to miss Ireland's November games against Argentina, Fiji and South Africa.

Munster head coach Clayton McMillan said the priority is ensuring Crowley returns to full fitness. The club did not give a more precise comeback date, so the exact timing of his return remains uncertain beyond its expectation that he will not be available before the new year.

The injury removes an experienced international option from both Munster and Ireland. Crowley made his Ireland debut in 2022 and has won 35 caps. He played every minute of Ireland's title-winning 2024 Six Nations campaign and later reclaimed the number 10 shirt during this year's tournament after Sam Prendergast started the opening two matches.

For Munster, the extended layoff reaches into the start of the 2026-27 United Rugby Championship season. McMillan's side are scheduled to open at home against Glasgow on September 26. Before then, Munster are in France ahead of a preseason match against La Rochelle on Friday, but Crowley will not be part of their immediate playing plans.

The province's depth at fly-half has also been reduced by a setback for new signing Will Harrison. Munster said the Australian playmaker has re-aggravated a knee injury after arriving during the summer. No return date was announced for Harrison, leaving McMillan without two options at the position as preparations continue for the new campaign.