Dolphin Begin Search For New Coach Following Ford’s Farewell

Dolphin, who were relegated from Ulster Bank League Division 1A this season, are on the lookout for a new senior coach following the departure of the long-serving Steve Ford (pictured below).

Welshman Ford’s coaching tenure with the Cork club came to a close with last Saturday’s 45-18 loss to St. Mary’s College at Templeville Road.

“I’ve been with the team for eight enjoyable years and even though this one didn’t go according to plan, I couldn’t have asked for any more of the players,” admitted Ford, who has also had coaching stints with Highfield, PBC Cork and the Munster underage teams.

“I will be looking forward to some new challenges and opportunities over the next while and will take great satisfaction from seeing young lads come into the team and go through the Munster Academy and into the Munster team. I will always have a special place in my heart for Dolphin and my time there has been fulfilling.”

The club will appoint a new coaching team shortly, but Dolphin RFC Chairman Simon Fitzgibbon was keen to praise the departing coach.

“We wish Steve the very best in his future endeavours. Steve has contributed positively to Dolphin over the past eight years. Both Dolphin and Steve are now entering new chapters going forward,” said Fitzgibbon.

“Steve has much to offer the world of rugby and as a club we thank him for his efforts and wish him the best. As a club, we are close to appointing a new coaching team that will build on our strong foundations while continuing Dolphin’s commitment to develop excellent players in the Cork region.”