O'Connell's Ireland coaching ticket for summer tour confirmed
Paul O'Connell during an Ireland rugby captain's run. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Paul O’Connell will head up an Ireland coaching ticket with assistance from three provincial coaches for the two summer Tests against Georgia in Tbilisi and Portugal in Lisbon this July.
With Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, recent interim boss Simon Easterby, John Fogarty and Andrew Goodman all heading to Australia with the Lions, Munster coaches Denis Leamy and Mike Prendergast have stepped up. Connacht coach Cullie Tucker has also been drafted in as one of O'Connell's assistants.
Prendergast recently took charge of the Ireland 'A' side in their defeat to England in February, with Tucker also involved.
O'Connell will name his touring squad in mid-June.
“I am honoured to accept the interim position of Head Coach for the forthcoming summer tour to Georgia and Portugal and it promises to be an important series of matches played against unfamiliar opponents in testing conditions," O'Connell said. "With a busy schedule of international rugby this summer, these two Tests will provide us with further opportunities to assess and develop the competition levels within the squad.
“I am excited to work with a coaching team who I know well individually and are hugely motivated to deliver success to Ireland and look forward to putting our plans in place over the coming weeks.”
IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys added: “We’re delighted that Paul has accepted this role and believe that his elevation ensures continuity within the Men’s coaching team.
"It will also mark an important step in his coaching career as we look ahead to an exciting summer schedule.
“He will be assisted by Denis (Leamy), Mike (Prendergast) and Cullie (Tucker) who have all been in Ireland camp at different points over the last number of months and their selections is another positive progression in their coaching careers and reasserts the IRFU’s commitment to developing a pathway for Irish coaches.”
Saturday, 5th July: Georgia v Ireland, Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, Tbilisi (kick off 9pm local time, 6pm Irish time)
Saturday, 12th July: Portugal v Ireland, Estádio Nacional do Jamor, Lisbon (kick off time tbc)
