Former Bok assistant gets big Ireland gig
NEWS: The Irish Rugby Football Union revealed the appointment of Aled Walters as the national team’s Head of Athletic Performance.
Walters, a Welsh native, is one of the most decorated coaches in the game.
He joins from England, where he has been their Head of Strength & Conditioning since 2023.
Before that, he was the Head of Athletic Performance for South Africa’s World Cup-winning squad in 2019.
He began his long association with the Irish game in 2012, when he was Munster’s Head of Athletic Performance for almost six seasons and he was the Leicester Tigers Head of Physical Performance between 2020 and 2023.
Additionally, he has held senior Performance roles with the Brumbies and the Taranaki Rugby Football Union.
“On behalf of the IRFU I am delighted to welcome Aled back to the Irish game,” IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys said.
“He is a world-class performance coach who has enormous international experience and he will add significantly to the environment in the years to come.
“I would like to wish Aled well in his role and we look forward to working with him ahead of the start of the year-end Nations Series.”
Ireland Men’s Head Coach Andy Farrell added: “We are delighted that Aled has agreed to join the Ireland team.
“He has a wealth of experience and has been a key part of many successful environments over the course of his career to date.
“I know how excited he is to return to Ireland and hit the ground running and I’m confident that he’ll play an important role in the squad as we embark on a busy international season, starting with the year-end Nations Series this November.
“Aled replaces Jason Cowman who departed after the Six Nations success in March. Jason contributed a huge amount to Irish rugby over 15 years and we thank him for his incredible service over that time.”
Aled Walters commented: “I am delighted to join the Ireland national team and am excited about the opportunity to work with such a talented group of coaches and players.
“The Ireland team has gone from strength to strength in recent years and it’s an exciting time to rejoin Irish rugby as the team looks to achieve more success in the years to come.
“I’ve made some great memories coaching England, and I want to thank Steve, the management team and the players for their friendship and support. I wish the squad every success for the future.”
England confirmed his departure.
“We’d like to thank Aled for his contribution to England,” England coach Steve Borthwick said.
“Aled is an excellent coach and has worked hard to help develop the current squad over the past 12 months.
“He leaves with our very best wishes for the future.”
Walters added: “I’ve made some great memories coaching England, and I want to thank Steve, the management team and the players for their friendship and support.
“I wish the squad every success for the future.”
