THE IRFU HAS turned to former captain Keith Wood to help in the search for Ireland’s next coach.
TheScore.ie has learned that, in a departure from tradition, Wood is sitting on the interview panel as the search for Declan Kidney’s successor heats up.
The recruitment process is continuing at pace with Leinster coach Joe Schmidt installed as the hot favourite, and it is anticipated that a decision will be reached in the next 10 days.
Wood, who retired in 2003, has remained active in the game as a respected pundit and analyst for the BBC and for the Telegraph.
Now he will help the IRFU find the right man to replace Kidney whose contract as head coach was not extended following Ireland’s disappointing Six Nations campaign this spring.
Les Kiss, who will take charge of the team for this summer’s tour of North America, and Australian Ewen McKenzie are among the other names who have been linked to the post.
