Grand Slam winning Ireland head coach Doyle dies aged 61

Former Ireland head coach Philip Doyle has died at the age of 61. The news was announced by Blackrock College RFC, where Doyle played and coached over the decades.

Doyle, who was affectionately nicknamed ‘Goose’, also enjoyed two spells as Ireland Women’s head coach. The first came between 2003 and 2006, although his second stint at the helm between 2010 and 2014 was his most successful.

That four year tenure included a 2013 Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam and the team’s first-ever win against the Black Ferns at the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup in France.

Doyle led Ireland to the semi-finals of that tournament before he resigned. Along with his wife, Nicola, Doyle is credited with pioneering women’s rugby at Blackrock College RFC.

Doyle also spent 16 months as Scotland Women’s head coach between 2019 and 2020, but left his position during the Covid-19 pandemic. He also coached Leinster Rugby and Ulster Rugby’s women’s teams.

In March, Doyle and his wife were awarded the Sue Garden Bachop Trail Blazer Trophy for their support of women’s rugby on International Women’s Day.

“Across every role, he was recognised not only for his rugby knowledge, but for his ability to inspire belief, build teams, and bring the best out of players,” Blackrock College RFC said in a statement.

“His contribution to women’s rugby in Ireland, Scotland, Leinster, Ulster and here at Blackrock was immense. Few people have done more to advance the women’s game in Ireland and fewer still have done it with such charisma, warmth, humility and generosity of spirit.

“On behalf of everyone at Blackrock College RFC, we extend our deepest sympathies to Goose’s wife Nicola, daughter Alix, sons Mark and Ross, mother Anne, siblings Stephen, Jeremy, Andrew and Jillian, his grandson Adam, son-in-law David (Naas), the wider Doyle / Elliott families, his many friends, former and current players, fellow coaches, and all those whose lives he touched through rugby.

“Rest in peace, Goose. You will be greatly missed, fondly remembered, and forever part of the Blackrock College RFC family.”