New Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan has acted quickly to bolster his backroom staff by announcing the appointment of Mike Ford to the role of defence co-ordinator. Ford makes the switch to union from rugby league after quitting his position as head coach of Oldham RL club today.
The former Wigan, Warrington, Castleford and Wakefield player is thought to have landed the job ahead of rugby league legend Ellery Hanley, now coaching at Bath. England have reaped the rewards since appointing Phil Larder, a former Great Britain RL coach, as defensive mastermind three years ago, and the other nations have since followed suit.
Scotland have former Leeds and Widnes full-back Alan Tait as defensive specialist, Wales recently turned to ex-rugby league national coach Clive Griffiths and France have acquired the services of amateur rugby league player Dave Ellis.
Ford, 36, has signed a six-month contract to work alongside O'Sullivan, who has succeeded Warren Gatland, in preparation for the Six Nations Championship.
Filed by Shane Murray
