Ireland Announce Rugby Sevens Squad

Ireland have announced the squad that will take part in two
tournaments in the European Sevens Circuit that will act as pre-qualifiers for the sevens Rugby World Cup in 2005. The two tournaments will take place in
Sopot,
Poland (8th- 9th May) and Spilt, Croatia (15th- 16th May).

The squad will be coached by recently retired Ulster centre Ryan Constable.

Squad:
Fiachra Baynes (Lansdowne)
Tom Carter (UCD)
David Connellan (Buccaneers)
James Downey (Clontarf)
David Hewitt (Clontarf)
Gavin Hickie (St. Mary’s College)
Ian Humphreys (Ballymena)
Chris Keane (Buccaneers)
Andrew Maxwell (Ballymena)
Michael McComish (Ballymena)

Meanwhile, following on from the appointment of Declan Kidney as coach to Newport-Gwent Dragons, the IRFU
will commence the recruitment process for the position of Performance Manager – Age Grade Rugby, a position that was offered to the national assistant coach along with the role of coach to the Under 21 side.

Of immediate concern to the IRFU will be the appointment of a coach to the Ireland under 21 team which is due to take part in the upcoming World Cup.

The IRFU were anxious for Declan Kidney to remain in Irish rugby and held protracted talks regarding the two positions offered to him. However, they respect his decision and wish him well in his role with the Welsh club.