Advertisement
Ian Costello (left) will join Nottingham as head coach next season. Dan Sheridan/INPHO
New gig

Munster assistant Ian Costello to take the reins at English Championship side Nottingham

The assistant coach has joined the green and whites after two years with the province.

MUNSTER ASSISTANT COACH Ian Costello has been appointed Nottingham Rugby’s new head coach.

The Kerry native joins the English Championship side after two years as an assistant coach with the province where his role was primarily as defence and kicking coach.

Nottingham finished seventh in the Greene King IPA Championship, the second tier of English rugby, with 10 wins from their 22 games this season.

Costello watched their final game of the season last Saturday when they beat the Cornish Pirates 55-33.

Speaking to Nottingham’s website, Costello said:

“I’m delighted to be joining Nottingham and from what I witnessed on Saturday, I think we have a fantastic opportunity next season.

The club already has a really strong set-up, with a great team of people both on and off the field. I hope to be able to build on that, and working with the coaching and support team already in place, I’m sure we can continue to compete in what is a very tough Championship.”

Born in Dingle, Costello’s coaching career began at the age of 21 with the University of Limerick men’s freshers’ team after a hip injury ruled out the prospect of the former out-half playing professionally.

He continued to ply his trade with the Ard Scoil Rís senior team and UL Bohemian women’s side before taking over as head coach of the Limerick club’s senior men.

His first involvement with Munster was as an elite development officer. Red tape forced him to leave that role but he was brought back into the provincial fold as a part-time skills coach under Tony McGahan three years later.

The following season he was appointed as full-time skills specialist and ‘A’ team coach under Rob Penney before becoming an assistant to Anthony Foley in 2014.

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

Foley says he hasn’t met Munster’s new director of rugby Erasmus yet

‘Anthony will definitely be here next season’ – Munster CEO Fitzgerald

Your Voice
Readers Comments
5
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.