Former Munster out-half in Ireland U20 coaching team for World Rugby U20 Championship

THE IRFU has confirmed the Ireland U20s Coaching Team for this summer's World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa.

Following Richie Murphy's permanent appointment as Ulster Rugby Head Coach, Willie Faloon will take over as Ireland U20s Head Coach for the Championship.

Faloon had been Ireland U20s Defence Coach under Murphy for the last two U20 Six Nations campaigns, as well as last year's World Rugby U20 Championship, and will lead the group to South Africa this June.

Former Munster out-half Ian Keatley (Attack and Backs Coach) and Aaron Dundon (Forwards Coach) will continue in their roles from the U20 Six Nations, while Neil Doak adds a wealth of coaching experience to the set up as he joins as a Senior Coach.

Former Ireland international Doak has coached the Ireland U18s and Combined Academies in recent seasons and links up with the squad as preparations for South Africa step up a gear.

This year's tournament will be played over five match days – between 29 June and 19 July – in the Western Cape regions of Stellenbosch and Cape Town, with World Rugby due to announce the Pool schedule at the end of this month.

In advance of their departure for South Africa, Ireland U20s will play three Challenge Matches against Irish Universities (May 24), Ulster 'A' (June 1) and Munster 'A' (June 7).

Commenting on today's announcement, Peter Smyth, IRFU Head of Elite Player Development, said: "We would like to firstly congratulate Richie on his new role with Ulster. He has done an exceptional job with the Ireland U20s in recent seasons and on behalf of all the management and players, we wish him well for the remainder of the season with Ulster and beyond.

"It was important for us to maintain consistency within our group so we are pleased to confirm the appointment of Willie as Ireland U20s Head Coach for this summer, with Aaron and Ian continuing in their roles and Neil joining the team as a Senior Coach.

"A World Rugby U20 Championship is always an exciting challenge and coming off the back of the Six Nations, the group are motivated to work hard in the weeks ahead to put themselves in the best position to perform against the world's best in South Africa."


The Ireland U20s squad, sponsored by PwC, for the World Rugby U20 Championship will be named in June.

Ireland U20s Coaching Team - 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship:

Head Coach – Willie Faloon
Senior Coach – Neil Doak
Attack and Backs Coach – Ian Keatley
Forwards Coach – Aaron Dundon.