FORMER IRELAND INTERNATIONAL Bob Casey has been appointed chief executive of Premiership outfit London Irish.
The 36-year-old is a former captain of the Exiles and spent a decade playing for the club from 2002 until 2012.
Casey in Ireland colours in 2008. Billy Stickland / INPHO
Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO
Casey won seven caps for Ireland before hanging up his boots, although there was always the sense that the second row would have gained further international recognition had he been playing for one of the four Irish provinces during his prime.
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The Maynooth man has been working as London Irish’s operations director in recent times, but a reorganisation of the management structure at the English club has seen him promoted to the role of chief executive.
Earlier this year, Casey told The42 that he had been working with the provinces and Ireland coach Joe Schmidt to build a stronger relationship between London Irish and Ireland.
Casey also indicated his determination to attract more of the big Irish population in London to the Exiles’ home games, admitting that the capture of more Irish players would aid that process.
A statement from London Irish today confirmed that the club is organising itself into six departments – commercial, community, finance, marketing and communications, operations and rugby, each led by an experienced executive who will report to Casey.
36-year-old Casey is loved at London Irish. Billy Stickland / INPHO
Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO
Club president Mick Crossan, a man with Cavan roots who led a group of London-based Irish businessmen in taking control of the club in 2013, welcomed the new structures and the appointment of Casey.
“Since our consortium took over the club 18 months ago, while we’ve had a busy period reviewing its operations and moving to Hazelwood, we’ve been very aware of what an auspicious time this is for rugby in general and for London Irish in particular,” said Crossan.
In particular, we’re pleased that Bob Casey has accepted our invitation to become chief executive.
“Bob has proven his commitment to London Irish and his leadership expertise both as a player and as a director and we will be working with him and his team to restore this great club to its rightful place among Europe’s leading clubs.”
New Zealander Tom Coventry will arrive as London Irish’s new head coach next season with a glowing reputation, having helped the Chiefs to their Super Rugby successes in the Southern Hemisphere.
London Irish have also signed new playing talent in the shape of Ben Franks, Sean Maitland, Brendan McKibbin, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Matt Symons, Dom Waldouck and Andy Goode.
A former Ireland international has been appointed CEO of London Irish
FORMER IRELAND INTERNATIONAL Bob Casey has been appointed chief executive of Premiership outfit London Irish.
The 36-year-old is a former captain of the Exiles and spent a decade playing for the club from 2002 until 2012.
Casey won seven caps for Ireland before hanging up his boots, although there was always the sense that the second row would have gained further international recognition had he been playing for one of the four Irish provinces during his prime.
The Maynooth man has been working as London Irish’s operations director in recent times, but a reorganisation of the management structure at the English club has seen him promoted to the role of chief executive.
Earlier this year, Casey told The42 that he had been working with the provinces and Ireland coach Joe Schmidt to build a stronger relationship between London Irish and Ireland.
Casey also indicated his determination to attract more of the big Irish population in London to the Exiles’ home games, admitting that the capture of more Irish players would aid that process.
London Irish currently have Conor Gilsenan, Jamie Hagan, Eoin Griffin and Tom Court on the books, while second row Eoin Sheriff has also joined the club ahead of next season.
A statement from London Irish today confirmed that the club is organising itself into six departments – commercial, community, finance, marketing and communications, operations and rugby, each led by an experienced executive who will report to Casey.
Club president Mick Crossan, a man with Cavan roots who led a group of London-based Irish businessmen in taking control of the club in 2013, welcomed the new structures and the appointment of Casey.
“Since our consortium took over the club 18 months ago, while we’ve had a busy period reviewing its operations and moving to Hazelwood, we’ve been very aware of what an auspicious time this is for rugby in general and for London Irish in particular,” said Crossan.
“Bob has proven his commitment to London Irish and his leadership expertise both as a player and as a director and we will be working with him and his team to restore this great club to its rightful place among Europe’s leading clubs.”
New Zealander Tom Coventry will arrive as London Irish’s new head coach next season with a glowing reputation, having helped the Chiefs to their Super Rugby successes in the Southern Hemisphere.
London Irish have also signed new playing talent in the shape of Ben Franks, Sean Maitland, Brendan McKibbin, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Matt Symons, Dom Waldouck and Andy Goode.
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Bob Casey CEO Chief Executive Head Man Top man