Paul Dean Appointed To Become Ireland Team Manager

Former Ireland international Paul Dean will become the Ireland team manager following the completion of the 2016 GUINNESS Series.

Paul Dean is set to replace Michael Kearney who will step down from the role after the fixture with Australia on Saturday, November 26
 
Educated at St. Mary’s College, Rathmines, Dublin, Dean represented Ireland Schools in 1977 and 1978. As a member of St Mary’s College RFC 1st XV, he was selected for the Ireland XV against England in 1980 and made his senior Ireland debut against South Africa in Cape Town in 1981. 

He was a Triple Crown winner with Ireland in 1982 and 1985 and he played against Wales and Australia at the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987.
 
Dean went on win 32 caps for Ireland between 1981 and 1989, scoring 19 points. He was selected to travel with the British & Irish Lions on the 1989 tour of Australia and featured in the opening match against Western Australia before injury prematurely ended his tour.
 
Dean is an honorary life member and former past president of St. Mary’s College RFC. Following his international rugby career, he set up TopLion Sportswear and spent over two decades working in the sports apparel industry. 

In recent years he has been working as a sports consultant and has played an active role as a member of the Leinster Professional Game Board.
 
Philip Browne, Chief Executive of the IRFU, said: “The IRFU are delighted to appoint Paul to the position of Ireland team manager. His international experience and extensive work in the area of sports management ensure he is well placed to excel in this important role within the Ireland set-up.”
 
Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt commented: “Paul comes into the role with a great rugby pedigree and an understanding of how challenging international rugby can be. We will look to integrate him into the management group over the coming months and look forward to working closely with him in the build up to the 2017 RBS 6 Nations.”
 
Paul Dean stated: “It is a great honour to take up this position with the national team. I am joining a successful and highly motivated group and I look forward to supporting them achieve further success at the highest level of the game.”