Hard to keep a good man down. And of course if you want something done ask a busy person.
Just when you thought Ireland’s Grand Slam-winning coach Declan Kidney would remain away from elite rugby in the academic sector at UCC, it emerges that he is set to take over at English Premiership side London Irish.
The Corkman has been out of the professional game since his stint with Ireland came to an end in 2013 and will apparantly work with former Ireland defence coach Les Kiss, who departed his director of rugby position with Ulster in January.
Someone likely to be slightly bemused by all of this is Nick Kennedy is the current director of rugby at London Irish, who sit bottom of the Premiership.
However it is understood he may stay in that position with technical director Brendan Venter to leave.
Kidney led Munster to Heineken Cup wins in 2006 and 2008 before winning the Six Nations title and the Grand Slam in his first season in charge of the national side in 2009.
A poor 2013 campaign where Ireland finished fifth in the table saw Kidney make way for current boss Joe Schmidt.
According to the Daily Telegraph the new-look coaching team, which is expected to be unveiled next week as the club attempt to resurrect their fortunes with a significant statement of intent.
The fact that he has not been involved in front-line professional coaching since 2013 may raise some eyebrows, but Irish believe the 58-year-old has the credentials and coaching nous alongside Kiss to rebuild a squad capable of becoming competitive in the Premiership.
Kidney’s appointment will also enhance the club’s Irish identity at a time when they are considering investment options and a move back to London from the Madejski Stadium in Reading in the near future.
Sounds like a plan.
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