Gaffney and Tainton join Ireland coaching team

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has made two further additions to his coaching team with the announcement that both Alan Gaffney and Mark Tainton will be joining the Ireland staff.

Gaffney will operate as the backs coach for the Ireland team, combining the role with his coaching position with Leinster Rugby.

Tainton, who was a member of the Ireland coaching staff from 2003 up until the end of the 2008 RBS Six Nations Championship, returns to the set up as kicking coach.

Declan Kidney said: "We are delighted to have both Alan and Mark on board with Ireland. Both of them are extremely strong technical coaches in their areas and I think they will bring a further positive mix to the coaching team and squad".