New Role for Declan Kidney ?

A statement issued today (Mon) explained the new role and Declan Kidney’s re-action;

The IRFU announce the creation of a new role in the development of young Irish rugby players and which has been offered to Declan Kidney.

The Performance Manager – Age Grade Rugby is a critical new position
identified by the Union for the development process of players in the age groups from school leaving to 21 years. The role is seen by the IRFU as a key driving force within the sub-professional level and the principal interface between the Rugby Department and the National Age-Grade pathway
and structures.

The Performance Manager – Age Grade Rugby is required to design, develop and implement plans, process, strategies and systems to ensure Ireland excels at
Age Grade levels. i.e., under 18 Youth, under 18 Schools, under 19 Rugby World Cup and under 21, 6 Nations and Rugby World Cup. In addition, the
Performance Manager – Age Grade Rugby would also plan for the growth
and
development of qualified and successful indigenous coaches to focus
on the
specific needs of National Age Grade rugby teams, in conjunction with
the
National Coach Development Manager.

Declan Kidney has previously coached the Ireland schools and the
Ireland
under 19 teams, most notably the team Ireland that won the FIRA World
Cup in
1998.

Irish team coach Eddie O’Sullivan has no plans at this present time
to fill
the position of assistant coach, currently held by Declan Kidney.

Philip Browne, Chief Executive, IRFU says: The new position we are
offering
Declan is a key role in the progression of the IRFU’s High Performance
Strategy for the future. We see an urgent need for a Performance
Manager in
age-grade rugby in order to provide leadership, direction and
technical
expertise in the implementation of a plan which is designed in line
with
supporting sub-professional pathways and systems that meets the
objectives
and goals contained with the Union’s Strategic Plan.

Declan would, of course, always be considered for any front line
coaching
role that might become available in Irish rugby and in which he was
interested.

Declan Kidney says: While obviously disappointed by my current
contract not
being renewed, I appreciate the offer of this new position from the
Union.
However, the offer in question is not a coaching position as such,
therefore
while considering it, I will now be looking at all options open to
me. In
the meantime, I will as usual be concentrating on fulfilling my
obligations
to the best of my ability in the best interest of the team.