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Cape Town - Former Sharks coach John Plumtree has been appointed as forwards coach of Ireland's national team.
Plumtree, 48, will arrive in Dublin in September and will work under new Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt, who replaced Declan Kidney after Ireland's poor Six Nations campaign earlier this year.
Plumtree will replace South African Gert Smal, 51, who was Ireland's forwards since 2008.
Plumtree coached the Sharks from 2008, winning the Currie Cup that year and in 2010, but was last month fired by new Sharks CEO John Smit.
“I’m really looking forward to becoming part of the Irish coaching set-up,” Plumtree told the Irish Examiner website.
“Having watched a number of recent Test 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.”
Schmidt welcomed the new signing.
“It’s great to have John joining us as part of the Irish coaching team,” Schmidt said.
“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.”
Plumtree, 48, will arrive in Dublin in September and will work under new Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt, who replaced Declan Kidney after Ireland's poor Six Nations campaign earlier this year.
Plumtree will replace South African Gert Smal, 51, who was Ireland's forwards since 2008.
Plumtree coached the Sharks from 2008, winning the Currie Cup that year and in 2010, but was last month fired by new Sharks CEO John Smit.
“I’m really looking forward to becoming part of the Irish coaching set-up,” Plumtree told the Irish Examiner website.
“Having watched a number of recent Test 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.”
Schmidt welcomed the new signing.
“It’s great to have John joining us as part of the Irish coaching team,” Schmidt said.
“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.”
