Noel McNamara has confirmed he is staying on as head coach of the Ireland Under-20s for another campaign.
Last season he steered Ireland to a superb Grand Slam, and they finished eighth at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Argentina.
McNamara took up a post as Leinster's Academy Manager in June and had come to the end of a two-year deal with Ireland, but it's been confirmed he will double-job with the national team for another year.
"It's a very exciting time," he told IrishRugby.ie. "Any opportunity you get to work with a national team, particularly young players, it’s always something that should be relished with great enthusiasm.
"I don't think the two (jobs) are mutually exclusive. There is obviously an overlap between the two and ultimately I think it’s an advantage being involved in the system and getting the opportunity to work with a national side and benchmark players against the best in the world.
"We’re really looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead."
