Williams Staying Put.
28/03/02. Good news today for Leinster rugby with the announcement that Matt Williams will be staying on as coach to the Celtic League champions, having agreed a three year deal with IRFU.
At a mid morning press conference held in Old Belvedere RFC, Anglesea Road, Phillip Browne confirmed that the Union had agreed terms with Williams.
A statement issued read, ‘The Irish Rugby Football Union and Leinster Branch, IRFU are pleased to announce that Matt Williams is to continue as Leinster provincial director of coaching. Following the successful completion of negotiations, Matt Williams has today, Thursday, March 28th, 2002, agreed to sign an extended three years contract.’
In the statement, Williams is quoted as saying, ” In spite of offers to coach elsewhere, I am delighted to pledge my future to the IRFU and Leinster Branch for a further three years. I now look forward to building upon my work with the Leinster squad. We have a tremendous squad of players in Leinster and with my Management team I would be very optimistic about the future for Leinster in the Celtic League and European Cup competitions.
Dorothy Collins, Hon. Secretary, Leinster Branch, IRFU says: “We are delighted that Matt Williams has given Leinster and Irish rugby his commitment for a further three years. Matt and his back up management have
made tremendous strides in bringing Leinster to the forefront of rugby by their Celtic League title success and by their extended run in the European Cup this season.