Prendergast To Coach Ireland Club XV In 2020

Gearoid Prendergast has been named as head coach of the Ireland Club International squad. The Limerick man will take up the role for the 2020 Club International series against Scotland Clubs.

Prendergast is the current director of rugby at Young Munster and head coach of their first tea, in Division 1A of the Energia All-Ireland League. Energia are proud sponsors of the Ireland Club XV.

“I’m honoured,” he said of his Ireland Club International appointment. “Representing your country is huge for both players and coaches. I’m looking forward to working with some of the top players from around the country. It’s really exciting.”

He is in his ninth season as coach in the All-Ireland League having made the switch from UL Bohemians to Young Munster in 2016. In that time the Cookies have reached the semi-final stage in Division 1A and the finals of both the Munster Junior and Senior Cups.

Prendergast had a three-year stint at UL Bohs, initially as assistant coach before stepping up to the position of head coach in 2015/16.

Before that, he was assistant coach at Young Munster for three seasons, having previously been head coach with Richmond. Richmond won the Munster Junior Cup and Transfield Cup under Prendergast in 2010.

“Knowing how to manage players and their time is key to this programme,” he explained. “It’s in the middle of the season, so you have to be cognisant of players’ welfare around game-time and training camps. It’s about keeping them fresh for both club and country.”

The squad will train at Irish Rugby’s High-Performance Centre at the Sport Ireland Campus in Blanchardstown. The 2020 programme culminates in a two-game series against Scottish Clubs on a home-and-away basis in late January and early February. Full fixture details will be announced in due course.

The Ireland Club XV are reigning Dalriada Cup holders, having won back the trophy under outgoing head coach Morgan Lennon in 2019. Assistant coach Johne Murphy also moves on, as does team manager Maurice Hartery who has taken up the same role with Northampton Saints in the Gallagher Premiership.

“Credit to Morgan Lennon and his team, they did an excellent job in winning last year’s series,” added Prendergast. “It’s something we’ll want to continue. That’s no easy feat either because the Scottish team are very well equipped with some very talented players. It’ll be a big challenge.”

A finalised coaching and management team is expected to be announced next week.

ENERGIA ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE – WEEKEND FIXTURES:

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –

Friday, November 15 – 

Energia All-Ireland League Division 1A: UCC v Cork Constitution, the Mardyke, 8pm

Energia All-Ireland League Division 2C: Sunday’s Well v Midleton, Irish Independent Park, 7.30pm

Saturday, November 16 –

Energia All-Ireland League Division 1A: Dublin University v Ballynahinch, College Park; Garryowen v Clontarf, Dooradoyle; Lansdowne v Young Munster, Aviva Stadium back pitch; UCD v Terenure College, Belfield Bowl

Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B: City of Armagh v Old Wesley, Palace Grounds; Naas v Shannon, Forenaughts; Navan v Highfield, Balreask Old; Old Belvedere v Malone, Ollie Campbell Park; St. Mary’s College v Banbridge, Templeville Road

Energia All-Ireland League Division 2A: Ballymena v Cashel, Eaton Park; Buccaneers v UL Bohemians, Dubarry Park; Nenagh Ormond v Dolphin, New Ormond Park; Queen’s University v MU Barnhall, Dub Lane; Rainey Old Boys v Old Crescent, Hatrick Park

Energia All-Ireland League Division 2B: Blackrock College v Wanderers, Stradbrook; Galway Corinthians v Dungannon, Corinthian Park; Galwegians v Ballina, Crowley Park; Greystones v Sligo, Dr Hickey Park; Malahide v Belfast Harlequins; Estuary Road

Energia All-Ireland League Division 2C: Clonmel v Enniscorthy, Ardgaoithe; Omagh v Bruff, Thomas Mellon Playing Fields; Skerries v Bangor, Holmpatrick; Tullamore v City of Derry, Spollanstown