Declan Kidney was yesterday (Wednesday, May 7) officially announced as the new Head Coach of the Ireland rugby team following weeks of speculation.

The 48 year old current Munster Coach will take up his new position with the national side after the conclusion of this years Heineken Cup, which will see Munster contest with French giants Toulouse at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on Saturday, May 24.

Kidney's contract will see the former Presentation Brothers College teacher lead Ireland into the next Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in 2011, although the Irish Rugby Football Union confirmed the Cork man will not take part in the forthcoming Summer Tour games against The Barbarians, New Zealand and Australia due to Munster's involvement in this years Heineken Cup finale.

Commenting on the announcement, Declan Kidney said, "There is no greater honour for any coach then to lead his own country. I have had that privilege at several levels of the game in Ireland from schools and U19's as well as working with the senior Ireland team and I am delighted to have this opportunity and to be here at what is the pinnacle of my career.

"The challenge going forward for the Ireland team and Irish Rugby as a whole is to continue the growth and success on the field. I am excited about the challenge and looking forward to working with the players. My focus now for the next three weeks will be totally on the Munster team and the preparation for the Heineken European Cup Final."

IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne said, "The record of Declan Kidney speaks for itself and it was obvious from the very beginning of this process that he was one of the main contenders to lead Ireland to the next Rugby World Cup in 2011. His ability to achieve success and develop players in the ever increasing competitive arena of professional rugby is proven and the IRFU is delighted to have made this appointment."

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