Kidney appointment unlikely this week

THE IRFU last night dismissed claims that Munster boss Declan Kidney will be appointed Ireland coach before the weekend.

Kidney is understood to have met with high-ranking officials in Dublin yesterday en route to Munster’s Magners League re-fixture away to Ulster at Ravenhill.

However IRFU spokesman Karl Richardson last night said: “There has been a lot of speculation about an appointment.

“But there is nothing planned,” he added.

“The process to select a new Ireland coach is ongoing. We can’t do anything until that process is completed.”

Kidney was tight-lipped when asked about his possible appointment.