The exciting new appointments come just a couple of months after Declan Fassbender stepped down as Lansdowne FC head coach, ending his outstanding association with the headquarters club that lasted over 25 years.
Having had huge success with Lansdowne at Under-20 level, Fassbender took on the senior role midway through the 2022/23 season and had the team challenging on a consistent basis with three Division 1A semi-final appearances in four seasons.
They were Leinster Senior Cup and Energia Bateman Cup winners during his tenure, and the past Energia All-Ireland League season saw them finish third in the table.
Fassbender's immense contribution in bringing players through was key during that period, which included former professional players Rhys Ruddock and Craig Ronaldson coming on board as assistant coaches in 2024/25.
The 35-year-old Ruddock will now head up the club's senior Men's coaching team, bringing a wealth of experience having played 225 times for Leinster and won 27 Ireland caps.
Since moving into coaching, he has worked within the Leinster and Ireland Under-18 Schools & Clubs pathways, with the Leinster U-19s, and is currently assistant coach with Newbridge College's senior squad.
His promotion at Lansdowne ensures continuity and an opportunity to build on Fassbender's reign, with Ruddock having already coached at U-20 and senior level at the club.
Meanwhile, it has also been confirmed that Bobby Sheehan will captain Lansdowne for the 2026/27 campaign, taking over from centre Andy Marks.
Sheehan, younger brother of Leinster and Ireland star Dan, is coming off the back of a brilliant season individually, which included notable appearances for Leinster and the Ireland Club XV.
The 25-year-old hooker was Lansdowne's top try scorer in the league with 11 tries, made his Leinster debut against Zebre Parma in October, and starred with a first-half hat-trick in February's Club international win over Scotland.
A former UCD captain, he has played in the front row and back row for Lansdowne, and his leadership, commitment, and performances across the year made him the standout choice as their new captain.
