Conor O’Shea ticks right boxes for Union

Now the decision has been made not to award Declan Kidney a contract extension up to the 2015 World Cup, the question on everyone’s lips now is who will replace him and what process will be applied in making the new appointment?

I’ve already pointed out that this appointment should be made by a newly appointed Performance Director working in tandem with the Professional Game Board that the IRFU committee has already agreed should lead them into the future.

In the absence of this professional body CEO Philip Browne at least has accepted that help is required in making the appointment by confirming that the existing National Team Review Group will be seeking outside professional advice and that someone with experience and expertise in professional rugby will be added to the interview panel.