IRFU Appoint Peter Smyth As Leinster Rugby Academy Manager

As a player, Peter Smyth has represented both Ireland and Leinster at ‘A’, Under-21 and Schools level. He coached St. Mary’s College RFC to Ulster Bank League success in 2012 and has also coached Blackrock College to four Leinster Schools Senior Cup and two Junior Cup titles.

In his role as Leinster Rugby Academy Manager, Peter will oversee the delivery of the Academy and sub-Academy programmes as well as supporting the National Talent and regional development squad programmes.

He will be responsible for the development and progression of players for the professional game in Ireland and the management of talent identification within the province.

Colin McEntee, IRFU High Performance Manager, commented: “Peter has a proven track record of developing young talent and providing them with the essential attributes to maximize their potential.

“His intimate knowledge of both the club and schools games in Leinster made him the ideal candidate for this important development role at Leinster Rugby.”
 
Mick Dawson, Leinster Rugby CEO, added: “I have known Peter for a long time now and have watched him progress through the ranks at Leinster as a player and then obviously as a coach with St. Mary’s and with Blackrock at Schools level.

“He has an excellent coaching CV but also has an excellent working knowledge of the people and of the structures of the underage and development landscape in Leinster.

“The sub-Academy and Academy are a crucial part of our player pathway in Leinster and I wish him every success in his new role and with continuing the good work that has gone before.”
 
Peter Smyth commented: “I am delighted to be taking up this post with the IRFU and Leinster Rugby. There is huge potential in the underage system in Leinster across both schools and clubs, and I am excited at being in a position to help nurture that talent into future Ireland representative players.”