Andrew Goodman confirmed as new Ireland attack coach in place of Mike Catt
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After signing a deal up to the end of the 2027 World Cup, Goodman – who currently holds a similar role with Leinster – will link up with Andy Farrell’s backroom staff, as Catt departs following next summer’s tour of South Africa.
Having joined Leinster as an assistant coach last year, Goodman has taken on more responsibility for Leinster’s attack since Stuart Lancaster left for Racing 92 ahead of this season.
The 41-year-old Kiwi, who played with Leinster for two seasons and was part of the Samoan coaching ticket at the World Cup, is very highly rated, and was strongly linked with a return to the Crusaders to replace new All Blacks boss Scott Robertson.
However, Leinster managed to keep him in Dublin, but such is his growing reputation in the game, Farrell has identified Goodman as the man to take over the running of Ireland’s attack.
The Leinster players speak very highly of Goodman’s rugby intellect and coaching methods, with Ireland now set to reap the rewards.
“This has obviously been a very difficult decision to make in one way because I have loved coming back to Leinster,” Goodman said.
“A team that I loved playing with and a team that I love coaching. I’d like to thank Leo (Cullen) for the opportunity to come back and to make Dublin our family home, and I’d like to thank the players, the coaches, the staff and everyone based in UCD, for the welcome they have given myself, Nina and the kids.
“The opportunity to test yourself at the very highest level is something that I have loved doing with Samoa in the last few years and now this challenge has come up with Ireland and it’s one that I am hugely excited about.
“It’s a chance to work with one of the best teams in the world and to work with some of the best coaches and players in the world and it was one that I couldn’t turn down.
“I look forward to getting stuck into that when the time is right and building on the great work that Andy Farrell and the other coaches have done to now, but until then, I want to continue doing my best for this club and this group of players and the supporters that we have.”
IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora added:
“It was clear from the recruitment process that Andrew was a high-calibre candidate and we are delighted that he will continue his journey in Irish rugby over the coming years.
“He brings a wealth of experience of the Irish and international systems and has packed a significant amount into a relatively young coaching career.
“His familiarity with the existing system here, coupled with his knowledge of the global game, will greatly add to our environment.”
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