He will be responsible for ensuring that the High Performance Strategies of the IRFU are continuously benchmarked to ensure content and delivery meet the highest international standards.

Clarke, who is currently the assistant coach to Ulster and the Ireland 'A' team in the Churchill Cup, has previous experience in this area having undertaken a similar role in Ulster between 2001 and 2004. The position reports to the IRFU Director of Rugby and to the Representative Game Committee ofhe IRFU which oversees the professional game.

The job will entail working very closely with the provincial structures to ensure a quality pool of players from which to choose provincial and national age grade sides. Allen will be working closely with the Provincial Academy structures and the Provincial Directors of Coaching on the induction of Elite Players into the professional ranks.