McGurn reinstated as fitness coach

THE IRFU have reinstated Mike McGurn as fitness coach to the Irish team with immediate effect following a stand-off of almost four months.

The Fermanagh man was suspended with full pay in November following comments he made in a post-World Cup interview with the Belfast Telegraph.

Having been offered a verbal four-year contract by Eddie O’Sullivan after Ireland’s exit from the World Cup, McGurn hinted over the course of the interview that Ireland’s players weren’t 100% fit heading into the tournament and that he needed full fitness control over international players if that target was ever to be achieved.

However, McGurn’s comments irked those in power at Lansdowne Road, particularly IRFU fitness director Dr Liam Hennessy, and the coach was hauled in front of IRFU chief executive Philip Browne and was duly suspended. It is believed that the IRFU then offered McGurn a severance package before Christmas, but the fitness expert refused to accept the payoff and instead fought to keep his job.

The news of McGurn’s reinstatement will come as a boost to the Irish squad as they prepare for the challenge of facing World Champions England at Twickenham on Saturday. His methods are extremely popular with the players.