Munster Rugby Chief Executive Officer Garrett Fitzgerald has confirmed he will step down next month upon reaching the age of retirement.
Fitzgerald, who was appointed Munster CEO in 1999, is the longest-serving provincial chief executive in Irish rugby.
Phillip Quinn, formerly the Head of Finance and Operations at Munster, had been the acting chief executive, and will continue in that role as the IRFU begins a recruitment process to fill the role on a permanent basis.
During Fitzgerald's 20 years at the helm, Munster won two Heineken Cups and three Pro 14 titles.
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"I look back on my time in Munster Rugby with the fondest of memories," he said. "I have experienced fantastic days, working with great people in a unique environment, and for this I am very grateful.
"I would like to thank my wife Áine and family, without their support over the past 20 years none of this would have been possible."
"A strong identity and unique culture are two of Munster Rugby’s greatest assets, and with the ever-changing rugby landscape it is this culture and a shared belief system that sees the province consistently thrive at the highest level.
Garrett has transformed Munster Rugby
"I believe harnessing all that is good about Munster Rugby will lead to future success for the province, and I look forward to seeing the brand and organisation continue to go from strength to strength."
IRFU CEO Philip Browne paid tribute to the tireless work Fitzgerald has put into Irish rugby, and in particular , Munster.
"Since his appointment in 1999 Garrett has transformed Munster Rugby," he said. "He has succeeded in keeping the very best of the amateur era and ethos at the club, while building it into a professional sports club that is the envy of many throughout the rugby world."
