IRFU appoint man with great name as new Ireland forwards coach

Joe Schmidt has added yet another southern hemisphere influence to his backroom team after the IRFU today confirmed the announcement of New Zealander John Plumtree as Ireland forwards coach.

Plumtree will join Schmidt and Les Kiss on the Irish coaching ticket at the start of September and comes with plenty of experience having acted as head coach for the Natal Sharks since 2008 following spells in charge of Swansea RFC, the Wellington Lions and New Zealand NPC. Having moved to South Africa from New Zealand as a player, 48-year old Plumtree represented the Springbok sevens team before moving into coaching once his playing career ended and he was named South African Coach of the Year last year. Commenting on the announcement, Joe Schmidt said: "It's great to have John joining us as part of the Irish coaching team. 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." John Plumtree added: "I am really looking forward to becoming part of the Irish coaching set-up. Having watched a number of recent Rest matches there are some really positive challenges in front of us. "I'm conscious of the responsibility we have and will be working hard to play my part in driving the team forward."