Irish Coaches for National Teams

[Ruckedtobits]

Tom Tierney has been getting it in the neck, from media and even players, over the past fortnight.

Tom played for Ireland and, almost 20 years later, has been roasted for the non-performance of the Women's National team in hosting the rugby World Cup.

Tom was appointed by David Nucifora, National Performance Director by personal selection. So also was Peter Malone, Munster Academy manager, as Coach of the National Under 20 team, which finished 9th, beaten for 8th place by Italy, in the 2017, U.20 Junior World Cup in June 2017. Nobody is aware of any advertising of either position, or even if the individual Provinces were asked to nominate candidates.

Meanwhile, back in the real world, Cork dentist and former Munster Asst Coach (but back in 2002!) Brian Hickey coached Cork Con to win the All Ireland league final and Andy Woods coached Clontarf to a second year as finalist, but finishing runner-up this time. And yes, Mike Ruddock coached Lansdowne to finish top of the regular Season in Div 1A of the Ulster Bank League.

Nigel Carolan was Nucifora's first National coaching appointment, promoted from Asst Coach to succeed Mike Ruddock as U. 20 coach in 2015. In his second season (2016) they finished as runner-up and with the U.20 Player of the Season Max Deegan.

But one swallow doesn't make a summer. Irish rugby has many promising Coaches. Irish rugby deserves to see these men in the roles of National Coaches where appropriate. And our National Women's and Under 20 Teams ARE appropriate positions for our best coaches.

And by the way, thanks to the wonders of the internetty thing, just noticed that Tierney and Malone were both former players with one Club, which ironically has three current members of the IRFU Committee. Great machine, the interweb.

[Oldschool]

Tom Tierney has been getting it in the neck, from media and even players, over the past fortnight.

Tom played for Ireland and, almost 20 years later, has been roasted for the non-performance of the Women's National team in hosting the rugby World Cup.

Tom was appointed by David Nucifora, National Performance Director by personal selection. So also was Peter Malone, Munster Academy manager, as Coach of the National Under 20 team, which finished 9th, beaten for 8th place by Italy, in the 2017, U.20 Junior World Cup in June 2017. Nobody is aware of any advertising of either position, or even if the individual Provinces were asked to nominate candidates.

Meanwhile, back in the real world, Cork dentist and former Munster Asst Coach (but back in 2002!) Brian Hickey coached Cork Con to win the All Ireland league final and Andy Woods coached Clontarf to a second year as finalist, but finishing runner-up this time. And yes, Mike Ruddock coached Lansdowne to finish top of the regular Season in Div 1A of the Ulster Bank League.

Nigel Carolan was Nucifora's first National coaching appointment, promoted from Asst Coach to succeed Mike Ruddock as U. 20 coach in 2015. In his second season (2016) they finished as runner-up and with the U.20 Player of the Season Max Deegan.

But one swallow doesn't make a summer. Irish rugby has many promising Coaches. Irish rugby deserves to see these men in the roles of National Coaches where appropriate. And our National Women's and Under 20 Teams ARE appropriate positions for our best coaches.

And by the way, thanks to the wonders of the internetty thing, just noticed that Tierney and Malone were both former players with one Club, which ironically has three current members of the IRFU Committee. Great machine, the interweb.

I believe Machiaveli had associations with the same club.
It was before the interweb so not sure if it's true or not but not hard to believe.

[Grumpy Old Man]

I think the expression is "failing upwards".

[Peg Leg]

The IRFU work placement semester begins for Stuart Lancaster. Graduation date set for late 2019.

Leinster coach Lancaster takes guest session with Ireland U20s http://the42.ie/3824885

As an aside thanks to whomever posted the finding mastery interview with Mr Lancaster (i camt find the OG post). Very good listen and insight.