Kidney considers IRFU offer of new role

The IRFU has offered Irish assistant coach Declan Kidney a new youth development role - but Kidney is yet to decide whether to take it.

Kidney says he is considering the offer but said he was disappointed his position as assistant coach was not being renewed.

The “Performance Manager – Age Grade Rugby” is a new position identified for the development of players in the age groups from school leaving to 21 years.

The role is seen by the IRFU as a key driving force within the sub-professional level.

Declan Kidney has previously coached the Ireland schools and the Ireland under 19 teams, most notably the team Ireland that won the FIRA World Cup in 1998.

Irish team coach Eddie O’Sullivan has no plans at this present time to fill the position of assistant coach, currently held by Kidney.

Philip Browne, Chief Executive, IRFU says: “The new position we are offering Declan is a key role in the progression of the IRFU’s High Performance Strategy for the future.

"We see an urgent need for a Performance Manager in age-grade rugby in order to provide leadership, direction and technical expertise in the implementation of a plan which is designed in line with supporting sub-professional pathways and systems that meets the objectives and goals contained with the Union’s Strategic Plan.

”Declan would, of course, always be considered for any front line coaching role that might become available in Irish rugby and in which he was interested.”

Kidney said: “While obviously disappointed by my current contract not being renewed, I appreciate the offer of this new position from the Union.

"However, the offer in question is not a coaching position as such, therefore while considering it, I will now be looking at all options open to me.

"In the meantime, I will as usual be concentrating on fulfilling my obligations to the best of my ability in the best interest of the team.”