Dean set for Ireland manager role

By Stephen Leonard

PAUL Dean has been appointed Michael Kearney’s replacement as Ireland senior rugby team manager.

The St Mary’s College clubman is poised to take up the new post after the final match in the 2016 Guinness Series against Australia on November 26 when Kearney steps down having been in the role since 2012.

Dean played for Ireland between 1981 and 1989, winning 32 international caps, scoring 19 points and helping his country to Triple Crown success in 1982 and 1985.

He was a part of the team that lined out in the inaugural Rugby World Cup back in 1987, playign against Wales and Australia.

The former fly-half, who was also selected for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia in 1989, was delighted with his new appointment saying “It is a great honour to take up this position with the national team.

“I am joining a successful and highly motivated group and I look forward to supporting them achieve further success at the highest level of the game” he added.

Certainly Ireland Head Coach Joe Schmidt welcomed Dean’s addition to the Ireland set-up saying “Paul comes into the role with a great rugby pedigree and an understanding of how challenging international rugby can be.”