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.

Anderson has been technical advisor to both the South African Rugby Union and Sport England, and joined the SRU in 2002 as its High Performance Manager. He was a member of the Scotland 2003 World Cup support staff and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Sport Management.

Anderson will be responsible for the development and implementation of a high-performance rugby pathway to cater for the progression of players through to the professional game.

This will encompass working with the National Age Grade Representative sides and each of the Provincial Academy structures, to ensure a future pool of players will be provided for selection within the provincial sides.

Meanwhile Wasps have added to their growing Irish contingent by signing prop Peter Bracken from Connacht on a two-year deal.

Bracken, a powerful tighthead, is the third Irishman to arrive at Causeway Stadium this summer, after Eoin Reddan and Jeremy Staunton.

Forwards coach Craig Dowd said: "Peter is a good technician who gave some good props a rough ride last season. He is keen to succeed at the highest level, for both club and country, and moving to Wasps could give him that opportunity."

Bracken, who has represented Ireland at 'A' and under-18 levels, is relishing the chance to help Wasps defend their Guinness Premiership title.

"I'm very excited about moving to Wasps. Playing for such a successful team, and in the Premiership, is a huge challenge but one that I am looking forward to immensely.

"I'd like to thank all the staff and supporters at Galwegians and Connacht for their help and support in the past five years, and wish them all the best for the future."