IRFU complete Provincial Talent Coaches with trio of appointments

The Irish Rugby Football Union have completed their panel of Provincial Talent Coaches within the union’s Women’s National Team Squad programme.

Craig Hansberry [Connacht], Matt Brown [Munster] and Griffin Phillipson [Ulster] have been appointed to the positions, and join Leinster counterpart Matt Gill.

Hansenberry is the current Ireland Under-18 Women head coach, while also being Connacht Rugby’s Women’s Development Officer and Senior Women’s Head Coach of their Vodafone Womens Interprovincial Championship side.

Munster head coach, Brown, has vast experience across Ireland, while former Ampthill and Loughborough University prop, Phillipson, is Ulster’s current scrum and defence coach.

Provincial Talent Coaches support the identification, development and transition of players through the pathway toward senior provincial and international rugby.

In their press release confirming the announcements the IRFU said: “The appointments form part of Irish Rugby’s continued investment in the women’s game, ensuring that players across all provinces benefit from a connected national approach to talent identification, development and performance progression. As the women’s pathway continues to evolve, these roles will play a key part in helping players achieve their potential and preparing them for the demands of the senior game.”

Gillian McDarby, Head of Women’s Performance & Pathways at Irish Rugby, said: “These appointments are an important step in ensuring we continue to provide a high-quality development environment for players within the Women’s National Talent Squad programme.

“The strength of the applicant pool also reflects the growing interest and investment in the women’s game across Ireland. These Provincial Talent Coach roles are central to identifying, supporting and developing the next generation of players.

“I look forward to working with Matt, Griffin and Craig as we continue to evolve and enhance the pathway for female players across all four provinces.”

These appointments have come after Larissa Muldoon [Connacht], Niamh Briggs [Munster] and Neill Alcorn [Ulster] vacated the posts to take on provincial women’s rugby leadership roles.

Alongside Derek Maybury [Leinster], the quartet are charged with connecting the provincial pathway with age grade and senior rugby.