ADAM GRIGGS IS the new head coach of the Ireland Women’s XVs side.
The New Zealander replaces Tom Tierney on a short-term contract which will run until the end of the 2018 Six Nations.
“As previously outlined, this position will be reviewed post Six Nations, in-line with the IRFU’s ongoing strategic review of the women’s game in Ireland,” the IRFU confirmed this afternoon.
Griggs joins from Leinster Rugby where he has been Women’s head coach since last year, and where he previously worked as assistant coach with the province’s U19s.
He will link up with the squad for the first time this weekend where, with no November internationals scheduled, they will begin preparations for the Six Nations.
“Adam has developed into an outstanding coach since arriving in Ireland in 2009 and has coached at schools, club and inter-provincial level,” the IRFU said.
“He has good knowledge of the Women’s game in Ireland having brought success to the Leinster Women over the past season.”
As a player Griggs came through the Canterbury Crusaders academy in his native New Zealand, and later won the Ulster Bank League with Lansdowne in 2015 as well as guiding Old Wesley to the Division 2B play-offs as player-coach last season.
With Griggs as coach, Leinster Women won the inter-provincial championship in 2016.
Griggs said: “I’m delighted to be named as Ireland Women’s Head Coach and having coached during the inter-pros, I know the huge amount of talent there is in Ireland.
“It’s a new challenge for me, but it’s an exciting one. This is a fresh start for all of us within the squad and I know the players are highly motivated to do well.”
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