Kiwi Plumtree joins Irish backroom staff as forwards coach

Joe Schmidt has chosen New Zealander John Plumtree as the man to take charge of Ireland’s forwards and the 48-year-old will join the Irish coaching set-up next month.

Plumtree’s most recent job was as head coach of the Natal Sharks, where he won two Currie Cups as well as reaching the final of the Super Rugby competition in 2012 and was named South African Coach of the Year.

The new coach began his playing career with native Taranaki in New Zealand before moving to South Africa to join the Sharks in 1988. The flanker/lock helped his side to Currie Cup wins in 1990 and 1996.