City Of Armagh Strengthen Their Coaching Team
City of Armagh RFC have announced that Brian McLaughlin has been appointed as coaching consultant to the club, joining their newly-appointed coaches Alex McCloy and Willie Faloon.
Brian McLaughlin was head coach at Ulster when the province reached the final of the Heineken Cup at Twickenham in 2012. He is recognised as being one of the best technical coaches in Ireland, having previously assisted the Ireland coaching team.
For the 2015/16 season, City of Armagh RFC will be playing in Division 2B of the restructured Ulster Bank League after finishing in second place last season. The club also finished as runners-up in the Ulster Senior League, capping a highly successful campaign. Armagh currently field four adult teams along with Women’s and Youth teams plus a very strong Minis section.
Their club President for 2015/16 is Shirley-Anne Donaldson, the first female president since the club was established in 1875. Commenting on the appointment of McLaughlin, Shirley-Anne stated: “This is a massive boost for City of Armagh Rugby Club with someone of Brian’s calibre coming on board. He will use his vast experience to improve our coaching structure not just at senior level, but throughout the whole club and we are all looking forward to the new season.”
McLaughlin is committed to City of Armagh for a five-year term and will greatly assist the long-term aspirations of Armagh to be a leading Ulster club in the Ulster Bank League and to have the best structures in place right down the club.
He admitted: “I’m delighted to take up this new role at City of Armagh RFC. I have been impressed by the current set-up at the club, both on and off the pitch, and I look forward to working with the team of coaches and all the players as we prepare for the season ahead.”