Limerick’s Tom Tierney new Ireland womens coach

LIMERICK man Tom Tierney has been appointed as head coach of the Ireland Women’s XV team and as assistant coach to the Women’s Sevens squad.

Former Richmond. Garryowen, Munster and Ireland scrum-half Tierney will commence his role with the Ireland Women’s team ahead of the 2015 RBS 6 Nations Championship.

Tom Tierney, who won 8 caps for Ireland, is a Level 5 accredited coach who has developed experience with a number of top Ulster Bank Leagues clubs including Garryowen and currently Cork Constitution. Last season his Club International squad recorded impressive victories over their English and Scottish counterparts.

David Nucifora, IRFU Performance Director, commented: “A review of the existing women’s rugby representative structures revealed a need for greater integration of both the 15-a-side and Sevens programmes from both a coaching and player support perspective. We believe we have put in place a strong coaching unit and the appropriate support structures that will enable both versions of the game to drive on in tandem. The establishment of three full-time positions signifies the IRFU’s commitment to creating a high performance environment for Irish representative women’s rugby.”