IRFU chief executive Philip Browne insisted yesterday that reports of a major difference between the governing body and Joe Schmidt over the role of one of the union’s committees have been greatly exaggerated.

Former Ireland winger Denis Hickie believes the Irish Rugby Football Union has a tough task to find the right man to replace Declan Kidney.

IRFU chief executive, Philip Browne, admits the process by which Declan Kidney’s successor will be identified and ultimately appointed is likely to be less than ideal.

Donal Lenihan today calls for a radical overhaul of the way Irish rugby is run as the game moves into its next phase, 18 years after the advent of professionalism.

A disastrous RBS Six Nations campaign has seen Ireland drop to their lowest ever IRB World Ranking as Declan Kidney’s men fell to ninth in the world.