Davidson Nets Contract Extension At ‘Gannon

Former Ulster, Ireland and Lions lock Jeremy Davidson is to remain in his current role as Dungannon director of rugby until June 2008 after penning a contract extension at Stevenson Park.

An improved 2004/05 season which saw the Tyrone men finish seventh and ten points away from the play-offs, has seen Davidson bring on a number of the club’s young talents.

Indeed, four Dungannon players, including fly-half Gareth Steenson were named recently in the Ireland Under-21 squad to travel to the IRB World Cup next month in Argentina.

Dungannon chairman, Billy Boles said of the announcement: “The club is extremely pleased and encouraged by the impact Jeremy has made during his first two years at the club.

“In his short time as coach Jeremy has built up his own skills and we believe that under his influence, the young squad at the club will develop individually as players and collectively as a team capable of competing at the highest level in Ulster and Irish rugby.”

The 31-year-old Davidson, whose international career was cut short in 2001 due to injury, added: “It has been tough at times during the past two years, but a lot of the things I wanted to develop did and I now have an opportunity to continue with that work.

“I want to be able to develop the game in the club and produce a side which can repeat the success of the side in 2001 when they won the All-Ireland League championship.”