John Hodnett signs new contract with Munster

Munster Rugby and the IRFU have announced a two-year contract extension for John Hodnett that will keep him at the province until 2028.

The dynamic, all-action Rosscarbery flanker has scored 16 tries in 87 Munster appearances, including the match-winning try in his Player of the Match performance in the 2023 URC Grand Final against Stormers in Cape Town.

A Grand Slam winner with the Ireland U20s in 2019, Hodnett came up through the ranks with Clonakilty RFC and was Player of the Match on his senior Munster debut against Southern Kings in 2020.

After recovering from an Achilles injury, he made his Champions Cup debut in the away win over Wasps in December 2021.

Was selected on the Emerging Ireland squad for the South Africa tour at the start of the 2022/23 season and went on to have an outstanding campaign that culminated with the late try in the Grand Final win over Stormers.

Hodnett enjoyed another strong campaign in 2023/24 and made 18 appearances, including his 50th Munster cap against Connacht on New Year’s Day.

His defensive prowess saw him win the URC’s ‘Tackle Machine’ award for making 151 tackles in the URC regular season, completing 96% of his attempts.

His seven tries in 23 appearances last season included three tries in five Champions Cup games and earned a first call-up by Andy Farrell to the Ireland squad.

Injuries have limited his impact so far this term but he has scored one try in six appearances and is expected to return from a thumb injury shortly.