Gwent’s gain as Kidney rejects IRFU offer

DECLAN KIDNEY last night promised there “won’t be a copy of the Munster model at Rodney Parade” after he had signed a two-year deal as coach to the Gwent Dragons.

After much deliberation, Kidney has turned down an offer from the IRFU to become Performance Manager - Age Grade Rugby as well as coach of the Irish U21 side and opted to concentrate on enhancing his stature as one of the top coaches in the game.

He will continue as assistant coach of the Irish team and will tour South Africa next month, seeing out his contract with the Union before taking over in Gwent in July.