Old Crescent Role For Pucciariello
AIB League Division Two club Old Crescent have confirmed their coaching team for next season – John Broderick is set to take over at Rosbrien with Munster prop Federico Pucciariello as his assistant coach.
With Old Crescent finishing third-from-bottom in Division Two this season, the Limerick club’s committee recently undertook ‘a major review’ of their coaching structures.
A club statement confirmed: “As part of the first phase of this process, Old Crescent is pleased to announce the appointment of John Broderick as head coach for the 2008/09 season.”
Broderick, well known on the Munster Schools scene, hails from Thomond and is leaving Young Munster where he looked after their successful Under-20 side.
Much-liked Munster prop Federico Pucciariello is also coming on board with Crescent in an official coaching capacity.
‘Freddie’, who has played for Crescent on a number of occasions in recent months, has been helping out with the club’s forwards and will continue to do so next term.
Speaking in a recent interview, the former Italian international said: “I try to help everyone in the area of (scrummaging) technique. I help in my club Old Crescent and the young fellows here in Munster. Scrummaging is obviously something I understand most. If I can bring something to them for the future of Munster, I will be happy.”
Next season will be Pucciariello’s last in Ireland as he plans to retire from rugby in June 2009 and return to his native Argentina where he has set up a bio-fuel company in Rosaria.
Noel O’Meara has also been appointed as Old Crescent’s backs coach for next season. He was head coach of Nenagh Ormond for the past two seasons, guiding them to fifth and sixth place finishes in AIB League Division Three.
The Old Crescent statement added: “The club is delighted to have individuals of this calibre at the head of its coaching structure for next season and hopes to add to these appointments in the coming weeks.”