Speculation over Kidney intensifies
Wednesday, 23 April 2008There is increasing speculation that Munster coach Declan Kidney will be confirmed to succeed Eddie O'Sullivan as Irish coach next week.
Kidney was assistant to O'Sullivan from 2002 until 2004, including Rugby World Cup 2003, where he had responsibility for the backs.
However, it was decided after the competition Kidney was surplus to requirements.
Ironically, one of the findings from the recent Genesis report into Ireland's poor performance at Rugby World Cup 2007 was that Ireland should have a specialist backs coach and dedicated team manager.
Ireland play the Barbarians at Kingsholm on Tuesday, 27 May, prior to departing for New Zealand and Australia where they will play Test games in Wellington and Melbourne.
Kidney is overseeing Munster's preparations for Sunday's Heineken Cup semi-final against Saracens in Limerick today.
Lock Paul O'Connell and out-half Ronan O'Gara are expected to take an active part in today's double training session.
Meanwhile, some bookmakers suspended betting yesterday after a flurry of wagers were placed on Jake White taking over the reins.
The former South Africa coach is currently in Dublin to speak at a coaching/referees' symposium.
