Plumtree gets Irish job
The Irish Rugby Football Union revealed the appointment of John Plumtree as Ireland forwards coach.
Plumtree joins the Ireland coaching set-up – alongside head coach Joe Schmidt and Les Kiss – from the Sharks – where he has been head coach since 2008, but was fired by new CEO John Smit earlier this year.
From Hawera, New Zealand, the 48-year-old coached Swansea to success in the Welsh League (1998), Cup (1999) and the Welsh-Scottish League (2001), before taking the Wellington Lions to three NPC play-off finals (2003, 2004 and 2006) in the New Zealand, and guiding the Sharks to two Currie Cup victories (2008 and 2010).
Plumtree was named South African Coach of the Year in 2012.
He will join the Irish set-up at the start of September.
"It's great to have John joining us as part of the Irish coaching team," the new head coach, Schmidt said.
"His proven success and broad experience across a number of competitions along with his ability to provide quality direction will add real value to the team."
Plumtree said that he was "really looking forward" to becoming part of the Irish coaching set-up.
"Having watched a number of recent Test matches there are some really positive challenges in front of us," Plumtree said.
"I'm conscious of the responsibility we have and will be working hard to play my part in driving the team forward."
