IRELAND have appointed John Plumtree as their new forwards coach, with the Kiwi starting work in September.
Plumtree has been Natal Sharks head coach since 2008 and has won the Currie Cup twice with the South African side.
The 48-year-old previously coached Welsh club Swansea and Wellington Lions in New Zealand.
“Having watched a number of recent Test matches there are some really positive challenges in front of us,” said Plumtree.
“I'm conscious of the responsibility we have and will be working hard to play my part in driving the team forward.”
Plumtree coached Swansea to Welsh League success in 1998 and followed that up with Welsh Cup and Welsh-Scottish League triumphs.
