Andrew Browne steps up to Ireland under-20 head coach role

Browne was part of the previous coaching ticket last and will now step into Neil Doak's shoes as head coach.

New Ireland under-20 head coach Andrew Browne. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Andrew Browne has replaced Neil Doak as head coach of the Ireland under-20s for the 2025/26 season.

Browne was part of the previous coaching ticket and will now step into Doak's shoes as the squad's head coach as they look to improve on their 2025 fortunes in the 2026 edition of the under-20 Six Nations, which kicks off in early February.

Former Connacht forward Browne will be assisted by Kieran Hallett, who previously held the Ireland under-19 head coach role, IRFU Elite Player Pathway and under-18 head coach Michael Hodge and IRFU Performance Pathway scrum coach Seamus Toomey for the season ahead.

Doak and Ian Keatley have returned to their respective provincial roles with Ulster and Munster.

Browne's side will gather for a three-day camp at the IRFU High Performance Centre in October, followed by another six-day camp in November ahead of a friendly fixture (opponent TBC).

"We are delighted to confirm the coaching team for the upcoming men's under-20 season, with Andrew Browne stepping up to the role of head coach," IRFU Head of the Elite Player Pathway Peter Smyth said.

"Andrew has been part of the programme for the last season and his appointment ensures continuity in the programme, with Kieran Hallett and Michael Hodge bringing a wealth of knowledge to their roles having worked with this cohort of players in their previous age-grade coaching positions.

"We thank both Neil and Ian for their contributions to the programme in recent seasons as they return to their provincial roles.

"The extended men's under-20 squad will be selected in the coming weeks before assembling in Dublin in October, with all systems go now as we build and prepare for the 2026 Championship."