Brian Cody's hiatus from hurling has proven a brief one, with the former Kilkenny manager returning to the club game as a selector with James Stephens.
The 68-year-old's trophy-laden career as the Cats manager came to an end after 24 seasons with an All-Ireland final loss to Limerick in July, but his home club have succeeded in luring him back to the sidelines.
James Stephens, who have endured a trying season in the Kilkenny club championship, are currently managed by Seamus Dwyer, with former Laois manager John Sugrue part of the backroom team.
They are currently captained by Cody's youngest son Diarmuid while Conor Browne has featured for the Cats in recent seasons.
The Village - actually a city-based club - are fourth in the all-time roll of honour with nine titles but last won their county championship in 2011.
Next up for James Stephens is a SHC round 1 encounter against Lisdowney after league defeats in recent weeks to O'Loughlin Gaels, Dicksboro and Bennettsbridge.
