Anderson lands top IRFU role

IRFU chiefs have appointed Steve Anderson as its first High Performance Manager in an effort to smooth the process of discovering the next generation of internationals.

Anderson who begins his new role in August joins after a three-year stint with the Scottish Rugby Union, where he held a similar position alongside his duties as the national team's defensive coach.

The former assistant coach for Melbourne Storm and Australia's World Cup-winning rugby league side of 2000 arrives with considerable experience from both codes of the game.