THE IRFU HAS announced that Greg Feek will join the Ireland national coaching team on a full-time basis from the 2014/15 season onwards, having signed a two-year deal.
The former All Black has been working with Ireland part-time over the last three seasons, balancing his year-round work with Leinster. However, this new contract means Feek will end his spell with the province, focusing solely on national interests in the future.
Included in the new role is responsibility for aiding the National Scrum Development Programme, as well as continuing his control of the Ireland senior team’s scrummaging training.
The IRFU say Feek’s involvement in the National Scrum Development Programme will see him “working with the provincial and underage scrum coaches to identify and develop scrum talent” and focusing on “improving players’ general understanding of scrum mechanics and technique.”
This seems a positive move for Irish rugby, given that Feek’s expertise will now be shared among the four provinces when the national team is not in camp. The 38-year-old formerly won 10 international caps as a prop and played Super Rugby for the Crusaders.
“Greg played an important role during the Six Nations and the national coaching team are delighted that he will be joining us on a full-time basis.” says Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt. “He will also be a valuable addition to the National Scrum Development Programme.”
Feek himself pointed out that there is “some good scrum talent across all four provinces but there is always plenty to work on as we attempt to maximize the growth and development of the emerging talent while also staying as competitive as possible at the top level.”
Will there be a coach left in Leinster next season
Huge blow for Leinster, signings both for playing but also coaching staff needed for next year.
Can’t remember the guys name but there was talk of an AUS scrum coach taking over. He had worked with or is known to MOC. This appointment was known for a whole in any event so I’m sure contingencies were made. It’s not like our top props won’t have access to Feek given their involvement in the Airush panel. It’s disappointing none the less that another key part of recent successes has moved on.
That’s JS Isa BOD Leo JohnnyS Jonno Gibbes all gone over a 2 year period. All were / are key leaders coaches & players. The transition is well & truly on. Whilst there is disappointment with MOCs first season there is some mitigation. Next year is shaping up to be just as tough. Singings are crucial if IRFU allow. But quality in a would cup year will be hard to get. A decent backs / skills coach wouldn’t go astray either.
Patricio Noriega?
Marco Caputo is his likely replacement
Leinster must be the new Connaught, get ahead at all and Leinster get striped of their quality coaching staff. It’s like a bloody pyramid scheme.
I could see Mike Ross making a top class scrum coach in the not too distant future. According to all reports he studies and knows more about that area of the game than any of his peers.
The scrum nerd par excellence, apparently. Still has a year or two left in those legs yet, though
Yep. Hopefully back in his native cork :-)
I think Botha is being lined up for the Cork post.
From an Ireland perspective this is a great move. All four provinces will benefit from this appointment.
balls
Where’s connaught?
Seems to be a top top coach in his specific area.can only benefit the team .
Think Reggie Corrigan is still contracted as a scrum coach