Singh takes on Ireland role

Ireland’s bid for revenge over England for defeat in their three-match series a fortnight ago has seen them turn to former Great Britain international Soma Singh to become their assistant coach.

Singh, who played at the Atlanta Olympics and also represented England in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, will join the Irish for their return three-leg series against the English this weekend and will help coach John Clarke prepare for the European Nations Cup in September.

Singh coached Old Loughtonians to the Division One title last season, having previously been at Premier Division club Hampstead & Westminster.

“Soma has worked with the squad on one or two occasions over the last few months and has developed an excellent rapport with the players and management alike,” said Clarke.

Singh replaces Olympic gold medallist Jimmy Kirkwood, who had to step down due to work and family commitments last year.

For the weekend’s games, starting on Friday evening, Ireland will be boosted by the return of Munster trio Wes Bateman, John Jermyn and David Hobbs to the squad which lost the series 2-0 at Cannock.

Annadale’s Chris Jackson is set to become only the 40th Irish international to pass the 50-cap mark since making his debut in 1996 as an 18-year-old.

SQUAD: A Barbour (Cookstown); W Bateman (gk), J Black (Cork Harlequins); P Brown, M Irwin (Instonians); K Burns, D Hobbs, J Jermyn, N Buttimer (Cork C of I); S Butler, G Shaw (Glenanne); N Henderson (gk), G Elliott, J Sherriff (Pembroke Wanderers); C Jackson, D Smyth (Annadale); E Lutton, M Raphael (Lisnagarvey).