Leinster announce new management team

Paul McNaughton was unveiled as the new Leinster Rugby team manager as the new management and coaching team was announced.

Former Irish centre Paul McNaughton was unveiled as the new Leinster Rugby team manager as the new management and coaching team was announced. McNaughton played 15 times for Ireland and takes over from his fellow Greystones clubman, Ken Ging. A banker by profession, McNaughton retired this year having been CEO of Deutsche Bank’s Security Division for 15 years.

Further announcements were that former Ireland coach, Gerry Murphy, joins Bobby Byrne and Roly Meates as assistant coaches. Murphy, a teacher in Terenure College is a former Irish coach who has also coached Terenure, Clontarf and Wanderers.

There is a Terenure link between Murphy and Byrne, as both have coached there. Byrne is a rarity in having captained three club sides – UCD, Blackrock and Terenure – in his playing days. He has also been highly involved in the schools and student scene having coached the Leinster and Irish Schools, UCD and the Irish Students. Byrne has also been teaching, in Gonzaga, and is taking a career break to take up the position.

Reggie Corrigan has been confirmed as captain, with Brian O’Driscoll, Keith Gleeson, Leo Cullen and Shane Jennings named as vice-captains.

Leinster Rugby CEO, Mick Dawson, confirmed that the Lions suffix has been deleted. Leinster will henceforth be designated as Leinster Rugby.

Full Leinster Rugby management team:

Team Manager: Paul McNaughton
Director of Rugby: Declan Kidney
Assistant Coaches: Bobby Byrne, Roly Meates, Gerry Murphy
Strength Coach: Dave Fagan
Fitness Coach: Jason Cowman
Operations Manager: David McHugh
Technical Analyst: Emmet Farrell
Team Doctors: Arthur Tanner, Jim McShane
Physiotherapist: Frances Davis
Physiotherapist: TBA
Team Masseur: Tony Coffey
Kit Manager: John O’Hagan