Leinster Close To A Decision.

The door on Jon Callard’s reported appointment to the vacant position of Leinster Lions coach was firmly closed yesterday evening when Chairman of the Leinster Provincial Team Management Committee, Brian McLoughlin, said Callard, one of a three man short list, had indicated his non availability.

It had been reported in Thursday’s Irish Times that Callard had agreed terms with Leinster and that his appointment would be announced officially later that day. However, as it turned out Callard, had already gone public on the official Leeds Tykes website to say he would be remaining with the midlands club. Later that day Leinster issued a statement which read:

Mick Dawson, Chief Executive of Leinster Rugby, today said that while Leinster has made good progress in their search for a Head Coach, no appointment has yet been made.

Brian McLoughlin, Chairman of the Provincial Team Management Committee, (who look after the professional team), this afternoon gave a progress report to a representative group of players in Dublin. He said:
“Of the many quality candidates for the Head Coach position there are three short listed, all eminently suitable. Jonathan Callard is the only candidate to indicate his non-availability to us.

“We would hope to finalise the selection process shortly” he concluded.