Munster have confirmed Ireland fly-half Jack Crowley is not expected to return from injury until the new year.

Crowley has been sidelined since April with a lower limb vascular injury.

Having sat out Ireland’s Nations Championship games against Australia, Japan and New Zealand last month, the 26-year-old will miss the competition’s second block of games against Argentina, Fiji and South Africa in November.

“Jack Crowley is a very important player for Munster and Ireland with a big future in the game and ensuring he gets back to 100% is the priority,” said Munster head coach Clayton McMillan.

Crowley made his Ireland debut in 2022 and has earned 35 caps, playing every minute of the 2024 title-winning Six Nations campaign.

While Sam Prendergast started the first two games of this year’s Six Nations, Crowley reclaimed the 10 jersey and steered Ireland to wins over England, Wales and Scotland to deliver the Triple Crown.

Crowley’s absence is a significant blow for Munster, who begin their 2026-27 United Rugby Championship campaign at home to Glasgow on 26 September.

McMillan’s side are in France before Friday’s pre-season game against La Rochelle.

In addition to Crowley’s injury, Munster confirmed that new signing Will Harrison has suffered a re-aggravation of a knee injury which further depletes McMillan’s options at fly-half.

“Will Harrison’s injury is a frustrating one for him because he has come into a new environment and made an immediate impression, but the re-aggravation is a setback and we want to make sure he’s in the best possible condition before he takes the field,” added McMillan.

“We have a good mix of experience and youth available in the out-half position with JJ Hanrahan and academy men Tom Wood and Charlie O’Shea.”

Munster also said Ireland internationals Edwin Edogbo and Tom Farrell (both shoulder) and Calvin Nash (hamstring) are expected to return during the early rounds of the new season after undergoing surgeries over the summer.