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Leinster's Andrew Goodman to replace Mike Catt as Ireland backs coach

Goodman will take over as attack coach next summer
Goodman will take over as attack coach next summer

Andrew Goodman has been appointed as Ireland's new attack and backs coach, with the Leinster assistant set to swap the province for the national side next summer.

The New Zealander, who joined the province in the summer of 2022, has agreed a three-year contract that will see him work under Andy Farrell through to the next Rugby World Cup.

Catt, who has held the attack role with Ireland since 2020, will return to England next summer after Ireland's tour of South Africa.

Last week, IRFU performance director David Nucifora said they were close to agreeing terms with his successor, and the union have this afternoon confirmed Goodman's appointment on a three-year contract.

"This has obviously been a very difficult decision to make in one way because I have loved coming back to Leinster," said Goodman, who previously played for Leinster in 2012 before returning to their coaching ticket last year.

"I'd like to thank Leo [Cullen] for the opportunity to come back and to make Dublin our family home, and I’d like to thank the players, the coaches, the staff and everyone based in UCD, for the welcome they have given myself, Nina and the kids."

Goodman, who won the 2022 Super Rugby title as part of the Crusaders coaching team, has been highly regarded since getting on board with Leinster, and has dipped his toes into Test rugby as part of the Samoa backroom team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The 41-year-old initially joined as a backline assistant, but has been given control of the attack this year since Stuart Lancaster's departure caused a reshuffle in the coaching staff.

Goodman worked with Samoa during the 2023 Rugby World Cup

"The opportunity to test yourself at the very highest level is something that I have loved doing with Samoa in the last few years and now this challenge has come up with Ireland and it’s one that I am hugely excited about.

"It’s a chance to work with one of the best teams in the world and to work with some of the best coaches and players in the world and it was one that I couldn’t turn down. I look forward to getting stuck into that when the time is right and building on the great work that Andy Farrell and the other coaches have done to now, but until then, I want to continue doing my best for this club and this group of players and the supporters that we have."

IRFU performance director Nucifora added: "It was clear from the recruitment process that Andrew was a high-calibre candidate and we are delighted that he will continue his journey in Irish rugby over the coming years.

"He brings a wealth of experience of the Irish and international systems and has packed a significant amount into a relatively young coaching career. His familiarity with the existing system here, coupled with his knowledge of the global game, will greatly add to our environment."

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