IRFU announce new Ireland team manager

The IRFU have announced Michael Kearney as the new Manager for the Ireland rugby team.

Kearney replaces Paul McNaughton, who has officially stepped down from the role, hails from Dunboyne, Co. Meath and played with Lansdowne as a full back and winger.

He acted as Chairman of Rugby for Lansdowne before becoming the President of the club in the 1999-2000 season.

He became Team Manager for the Leinster A and under-20 teams from 2004, before succeeding Phil Orr as Manager to the Ireland Under-20 team in 2009, winning the six nations title in 2010 and being involved in two Junior World Championships.

He continued with the side last season, working closely with Ireland U-20 Coach Mike Ruddock.

Kearney will join up with the squad next week in their Limerick camp as preparations begin for the start of the RBS 6 Nations championship.