Ireland skills and kicking coach Richie Murphy has been appointed head coach of the Ireland U20s, replacing Kieran Campbell who recently departed after just two months in the post.
Murphy will retain his current role with the senior team, which he has held since 2013, while preparing the U20s side for the postponed Six Nations championship, taking place in June and July
IRFU performance director David Nucifora commented: ""Richie has a wealth of experience at the very highest level of the game and knows what it takes to deliver success in the senior international and provincial game. The Under-20s programme is a hugely important benchmark for our pathway players but it is also vital that the system keeps producing and supporting talent and this will be key focus of Richie's role."
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said would "be important for us that Richie remains connected to the national team coaching group as his expertise and experience are of great benefit to the players."
His predecessor Campbell, the former Ireland and Ulster scrum-half, succeeded Noel McNamara in January but announced his departure last week with reports indicating he is set to take a position with English Championship side Ealing Trailfinders.
Campbell had served as McNamara's assistant coach with the U20s for three years, during which time Ireland won the Grand Slam in 2019. He also worked as Ulster academy manager.
