Donal Lenihan: what message is the IRFU sending out?

Former Ireland and Lions manager Donal Lenihan believes home-grown coaches like Anthony Foley and Leo Cullen should be exposed to international best practice early in their coaching careers.

And the Irish Examiner columnist insists the IRFU must not make the mistake of prioritising international success over the provincial set-up and should instead invest heavily in installing experienced international coaching expertise in each province.

In a wide-ranging analysis of the obstacles facing the Irish provinces, published in tomorrow’s Sport 2016 magazine with the Irish Examiner, Lenihan urges the IRFU to refocus on the provinces.