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John Plumtree at this afternoon's press briefing. Dan Sheridan/INPHO

IRFU confirm forwards coach John Plumtree to take up NZ coaching role

The New Zealander has been linked with the Hurricanes.

Updated 20.30

THE IRFU HAS confirmed that forwards coach John Plumtree is to leave the Ireland set-up in order to take up a coaching role in his native New Zealand.

Plumtree, who has been credited for the solid line-outs and rolling mauls that drove Ireland to Six Nations success, will take over as assistant coach to Chris Boyd with the Wellington Hurricanes in Super Rugby.

He said, “I have really enjoyed working with Joe [Schmidt], Les [Kiss] and the players over the last few months.  But at the end of the day family must come first and we must do what we think is best for the Plumtree family.

“I would like to thank the IRFU for their understanding and wish everyone involved in Irish rugby the best of luck for the future.”

Tight-head prop Marty Moore has also been ruled out of the summer tour to Argentina after falling to a fractured toe. As for the injured Robbie Henshaw’s replacement in midfield, Jordi Murphy has a candidate dressed and ready to go:

The IRFU confirmed Reid has been called in as backline cover and that Keith Earls is out of the tour. Rodney Ah You comes in for Moore.

Originally published 16.00

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Patrick McCarry
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