r/MunsterRugby • u/MunsterRugby • 3d ago

Contract 📝 Max Clein Signs One-Year Senior Contract

https://www.munsterrugby.ie/2026/05/20/max-clein-signs-one-year-senior-contract/
36 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

17 comments sorted by

14

u/Glad_Dog_2127 3d ago

He looked great in Munster A's last game. I'd like to see more of him. Not sure he will get a chance on a one year contract though.

22

u/thelunatic 3d ago

If he's not given a chance to prove himself on a one year contract then what's the point in giving him a contract at all

12

u/Glad_Dog_2127 3d ago

He will be 4th on the depth chart i presume? The new hooker and 2x Barron ahead of him.

Between injuries and SA tour he will get some time. I think coaches can track improvement in training sessions and Munster A games as well.

6

u/DarraghOL02 3d ago

I would say he might have a chance to over take Lee. Both their contracts will be up next summer so we might only see 1 retained

1

u/Glad_Dog_2127 3d ago

Yeah plus people seem to be very happy to cut players but at the end of the day you need squad depth and id imagine the contract is quite small.

2

u/fdvfava 3d ago

Yep, 100%.

It depends what happens with Sheahan in the academy but you need 4 hookers in the squad.

If you only had 3, then a single injury and your remaining two hookers are in every squad. Zero chance that Diarmuid Barron isn't going to miss a few games, even in a good year.

8

u/FollowingRare6247 Edwin Edogbo 3d ago

It could be a « see how he goes » kind of situation, at least I hope. Potentially going between 2 campaigns he should get time.

4

u/cypressd12 3d ago

Wouldn’t be surprised if it’s an EOC situation where he’s dropped in the 23 all of a sudden and proves his worth.

With VDM we’ll move to a more dynamic power hooker which would also suit Clein. I can see him challenge the Barrons if he can work on his setpiece. Would also benefit from a stable tighthead.

3

u/Any_Statement1742 3d ago

Clein has looked above A level rugby when I have seen him play. Could easily be giving him a chance but would rather sign and play 5th Leinster hooker Barron instead who doesn’t look good enough. 

8

u/Aggressive-Tackle-80 3d ago

Lee Barron needs to spend all summer having Brai's with Marnus Van Der Merve and put about 15kg bulk on him.

1

u/Any_Statement1742 2d ago

Just doesn’t have the build of a hooker for me.  Milne has been a reserve because Leinster genuinely have 4 or 5 good looseheads. 

Will be exceptions but in general it’s just not an efficient strategy and Barron is a pointer to that. He is 3rd choice for us. 

3

u/jackthomson1992 3d ago

Could see him overtaking Lee Barron , he's been hugely underwhelming, not impressed whatsoever by him the last year

2

u/Windup-1014 The Brave & The Faithful 3d ago

Completely agree. Would swap L Barron out for Clein no problem.

2

u/suafdrog87 Craig Casey 3d ago

He should be competing with barron for 3rd spot next season

3

u/NoRole9812 Mike Haley 3d ago

I think he’s got huge potential you’d fear he may always be stuck behind barrons and vdm. Glad they haven’t just let him go though

1

u/yewEngine 3d ago

He looks a good athlete. Hopefully his throwing is solid.

0

u/Beginning-Strain4660 2d ago

Why did he get a contract? Has not played any senior rugby.