Leinster begin search for new coach

LEINSTER rugby chiefs have already begun fielding enquiries as they bid to appoint a coach to succeed Scotland- bound Matt Williams.

As the 43-year-old Australian described his move in the footsteps of Ian McGeechan as a “humbling experience” at a Durban press conference, his former employers were busy in their attempts to find his replacement

Leinster Branch chief executive Mick Dawson admitted yesterday that acting coach Willie Anderson was a live candidate but stressed he would not be the only one before ruling Ulster coach Alan Solomons out of the equation due to contractual reasons.

Mr Dawson said: “We will be looking for a top quality coach. We have already been contacted by an agent representing John Connolly (the ex-Swansea guru) and we expect to get more enquiries within the next few days.

“Ireland are in Australia at the moment and Scotland in South Africa, so the people in those countries will be well aware of a vacant position for a high profile job.

We will have to wait a little while before we know exactly who is in the frame but I am confident we will get quality applications from outside the country as much as from within.

“It isn’t exactly the best scenario from our point of view. We spent a lot of time trying to finalise a top quality squad for next season and in the middle of it all find that we don’t have a coach.

I would say, however, that Matt Williams brought Leinster a long way on the road to success over the last couple of seasons and all we can do is wish him luck. You can’t blame a man for giving up what is effectively a club position for a national job.”

Williams, a former Ireland A and New South Wales head coach also stressed that he greatly enjoyed his time in Ireland.

“Firstly, I would say I’m honoured to be given the opportunity to coach one of the great sides in world rugby in competitions of the status of the Rugby World Cup and the RBS Six Nations Championship.

“I was very happy at Leinster and the Irish RFU has treated me brilliantly, but the lure of Scotland head coach post was, for me, irresistible.

“To follow in the footsteps of Jim (Telfer) and Ian is a very humbling experience and I’m very aware of the responsibilities that have been given to me.

“My aim will be to build on the foundations that have been put in place by Jim and Ian. Great strides have been made in the last four years in Scottish rugby and my role will be to take that structure forward in all areas from the players, coaches and support staff with the national team down through the age-grade sides.”

Meanwhile, Ireland have been installed among the favourites to win the World Cup later this year.

William Hill has put down the All Blacks as 6-4 favourites, with Australia priced at 5-2 and England third favourites at 10-3. France come next at 7-1 and South Africa are priced at 11-1.

Ireland, however, are the only other team given a chance of lifting the William Webb Ellis trophy and are named at 20-1.