Browne: It was right time to change

IRFU chief executive, Philip Browne, admits the process by which Declan Kidney’s successor will be identified and ultimately appointed is likely to be less than ideal.

The creation of a Professional Game Board and appointment of a Performance Director are already in the pipeline in an attempt to streamline and perfect the manner in which the pro game is run in the country.

However, neither is expected to be in place in time to have a say over the man who will be tasked with improving Ireland’s historically low IRB ranking and taking the side onwards to the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.