Munster secure Diarmuid Barron contract extension keeping hooker at province until 2028

Munster Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed that Diarmuid Barron has agreed a two year contract extension which will keep him with the province until 2028.

In a joint statement, the organisations said they were pleased to secure the future of the 27 year old hooker, who has become a central figure in Munster’s squad.

READ MORE: BREAKING: Man (30s) charged in relation to fatal Tipperary Town assault to appear in court

Barron has scored 12 tries in 97 appearances for the province and has worn the captain’s armband on 13 occasions in competitive matches.

Barron’s rugby education began with Cashel RFC and Rockwell College. He was part of the Rockwell side that won the Pinergy Munster Schools Senior Cup in 2015 before joining the Munster Academy three years later.

His senior debut came away to Cardiff in September 2018. He went on to make seven appearances as an Academy player and was promoted to the senior squad in 2020.

The 2021/22 campaign marked his breakthrough at provincial level. Barron featured 22 times during the season and made his debut in the Champions Cup.

That progress continued in 2022/23, when he played 22 matches, scored five tries and was part of the Munster side that claimed the United Rugby Championship title.

Barron captained Munster for the first time against Ulster in November 2023 and made 19 appearances last season, further underlining his standing within the squad.

His international experience includes spells with Ireland at under 20 level, as well as appearances for Emerging Ireland and Ireland A.

He has now been named in the Ireland XV squad for next Friday’s match against England A at Thomond Park, with a 7.15pm kick off. Tickets for the fixture are on sale.

READ MORE: Barefoot Across Europe - Eamonn Keaveney nears the end of his 6,000km odyssey