Ian Costello moved from the role of Academy & Pathway Manager to the newly-created position of Head of Rugby Operations in 2023.

He oversees the long-term strategic development of the elite player pathway, succession planning, and provides recruitment support for developing, retaining, and recruiting players in conjunction with the Head Coach.

Costello returned to the province in 2021 after five years in England with Wasps Rugby (Defence Coach) and Nottingham Rugby (Head Coach).

With a wealth of experience across numerous coaching roles, Ian initially worked with the province’s academy in 2006 when carrying out his role of IRFU Elite Player Development Officer for two years.

Over the same period, he worked with UL Bohemian RFC in the roles of Head Coach and Director of Rugby and was instrumental in developing the club’s academy programme.

A former Munster U20s Coach, he assumed the role of Munster A Head Coach in 2011 and led the province to a British and Irish Cup title in 2012, and was promoted to Assistant Coach with the senior squad in 2014.