Munster have announced that Clayton McMillan will become the province's new head coach on a three-year contract with the New Zealander set to take up the role from July.
McMillan is currently the head coach of Super Rugby side the Chiefs.
Munster had been without a permanent head coach since the departure of Graham Rowntree last October, with Ian Costello serving in an interim role.
But the search for a permanent figurehead is now at an end following Munster and the IRFU's confirmation of McMillan's appointment which will commence after the end of the current Super Rugby season.
Costello will take on the newly-created role of General Manager at the province, while attack coach Mike Prendergast will shift to senior coach within the set-up where he will work closely with McMillan who led an All Blacks XV to a win over Munster at Thomond Park last November.
"I am humbled to be given the opportunity to lead Munster, an iconic club steeped in history," McMillan said.
"Leading the All Blacks XV against Munster last year gave me insight into the immense pride and passion of the club's players, staff and wider rugby community. It was an incredible atmosphere and left a lasting impression.
"I am excited by the club's ambition and core values. They align strongly with my own, and I look forward to joining the team in July.
"It has been an absolute privilege to work with the Chiefs and NZ Rugby. I am eternally grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded, and for the support of those I have worked alongside.
"The decision to leave wasn’t easy – I love my job, the people we represent, and what we value as a club. But I take real comfort in knowing the team is in great hands moving forward, with a talented playing group, coaches and staff.
"Whilst I look forward to the challenge at Munster, I am solely focused on giving everything I have to the Chiefs as we build on a promising start, with the goal of being genuine contenders at the business end of the season."
A former police officer in New Zealand, McMillan began his coaching journey in Japan whilst playing professionally for the now defunct Coca-Cola Red Sparks.
More recently, he has been head coach of the Chiefs since 2021, having stepped up from assistant and then interim, leading the Hamilton-based team to three Super Rugby finals.
McMillan also coached the Maori All Blacks against Ireland during the 2022 summer tour of New Zealand, leading his side to a win and a loss against Andy Farrell's side.
IRFU performance director David Humphreys cited McMillan's coaching credentials as a key factor in his appointment.
"In a high calibre field of applicants, Clayton's knowledge, energy and vision for the future of Munster Rugby shone through and we believe that he will be a successful appointment," he said.
"He has worked in a successful franchise in New Zealand and is excited about working in Munster and developing the next generation of players."
Humphreys added: "As part of this new coaching structure, I am delighted that Ian Costello will continue his long association with Munster Rugby.
"In the newly-created role of General Manager he will help strengthen the ties that binds Munster from grassroots up whilst building a structure which will ensure the long-term success of the province.
"As somebody who is engrained in the fabric of Munster Rugby, I believe that this is a key appointment."
