Irish Rugby : Provincial Rugby : Exiles : Exiles Plan Festivals Across England, Scotland And Wales

IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne has issued a statement following confirmation of Ronan O'Gara's decision to retire from playing professional rugby.

Ronan O'Gara's retirement from professional rugby brings to an end an achievement-packed career that saw him dominate matches in Ireland and around the world in the colours of Cork Constitution, Munster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions.

IRFU provincial and national age grade coaches - Under-18s, Under-19s and Under-20s - and IRFU elite player development staff from the four provinces gathered recently to review their experiences, discuss challenges and align closer to ensure the development of more effective elite players across the IRFU Elite Player Pathway.

The aim is to give as many young Irish Exiles, in the Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 age groups, the chance to show their quality.

The festival days start on Sunday, October 23 at Manchester RFC, encompassing the North of England and Scotland, and will be led by Allen Boyd and Stephen Snoddy.

On Monday, October 24, the action moves to Dorking RFC, for London and the South East of England, where it will be led by John Gilligan and Colin Troughton.

On Tuesday, October 25, the Midlands are covered at Moseley RFC. The session will be led by Cillian Ryan.

Finally, on Wednesday, October 26, it will be the turn of the South West of England and Wales at Nailsea & Backwell RFC in Bristol. Heading up the session will be Martin Hagan, Leo Costello and JP Corry.

The Exiles Branch coaches will be drawn upon and this will be co-ordinated by John Flynn.

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