They’re the latest additions to Declan Kidney’s coaching staff, both are recognised as world class coaches in their fields and may mark the start of something big in Ireland.
Gaffney will operate as a backs coach, combining with his position at Leinster. Whilst Tainton returns as kicking coach.
The IRFU have announce that former Ireland international Paul McNaughton will be the new Ireland team manager, this is the first appointment following the confirmation of Declan Kidney as the new head coach.
McNaughton has accepted the position up to and including the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
He will officially (the same as Kidney) [...]
Declan Kidney has signed a contract that will keep him in charge of Ireland until the 2011 World Cup, the 48 year old will however not take charge until after Ireland’s summer tour to New Zealand and Australia.
Kidney requires the time to concentrate on his current assignment of preparing Munster for their Heineken Cup final [...]
That’s what it was! A complex mix of factors lead to ireland underperforming at the world cup. I wonder how much it cost the IRFU to come to that decsion?!
Philip Browne, Chief Executive of the Irish Rugby Football Union said:
“These findings have been produced following extensive consultation by Genesis with the players, coaches, management and [...]
Eddie O’Sullivan has signed a four-year extension to his contract keeping him in charge of the men in green through to 2012 (including the next Rugby World Cup in 2011).
Three triple crowns in four seasons has led to the extension, and even an agreement that should the Lions coach job come his way in 2009 [...]
Allen Clarke will step down from his position as assistanc coach to Ulster to become the IRFU’s Elite Player Development Manager.
He will oversee the delivery of the High Performance Strategies of the IRFU.
Ulster Rugby Chief Executive Michael Reid said: “The IRFU have made an excellent choice in Allen Clarke as their new Elite Player Development [...]