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Kidney named Ireland coach
07/05/2008 15:24 - (SA)
Dublin - Munster coach Declan Kidney has been handed the task of reviving Ireland's rugby fortunes in time for the next Rugby World Cup.
The 48-year-old, who is currently preparing Munster for their Heineken Cup final date with Toulouse at the end of the month, will take over as head coach after Ireland's upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand and has been given a contract that runs until the end of the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.
He succeeds Eddie O'Sullivan, whose seven-year stint in the job ended in the wake of this year's fourth-placed finish in the Six Nations, which followed Ireland's disappointing first-round exit from last year's World Cup in France.
Kidney has led Munster to four Heineken Cup finals and was in charge of the Ireland Under-19 team that won the 1998 World Cup with players including current internationals Brian O'Driscoll, Donncha O'Callaghan and Paddy Wallace in the squad.
He has also served as assistant coach with the senior national side, notably at the 2003 World Cup.
IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: "The record of Declan Kidney speaks for itself and it was obvious from the very beginning of this process that he was one of the main contenders to lead Ireland to the next Rugby World Cup in 2011.
"His ability to achieve success and develop players in the ever-increasing competitive arena of professional rugby is proven and the IRFU is delighted to have made this appointment."
Ireland were ranked second in the world in 2006 but have dropped to eighth and Kidney faces a tough task in ensuring, at the very least, there is no further slippage before the 2011 World Cup seedings are finalised at the end of the year.
Kidney's first major task will be to prepare for November internationals against the All Blacks and Argentina.
Ireland are due to face the Barbarians at the end of this month before setting off Down Under, where they are due to play one Test in both Australia and New Zealand.
Kidney said: There is no greater honour for any coach then to lead his own country. I have had that privilege at several levels of the game in Ireland from schools and Under-19s as well as working with the senior Ireland team and I am delighted to have this opportunity and to be here at what is the pinnacle of my career.
"I have worked with many exceptional players during my career at both international and provincial level and there is no doubt that we have the talent in Ireland to be successful at the highest level."
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