FORMER IRELAND RUGBY head coach Declan Kidney has been confirmed as the new Director of Sport at University College Cork (UCC).
The 53-year-old was sacked from his post by the IRFU back in April after a five-year spell which saw him win a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2009.
Cork native Kidney studied at UCC and has past experience as a teacher at Presentation Brothers College, where he taught accounting and maths before going on to carve out a successful career in rugby with Munster and the national team.
In a statement released this morning, the university announced news that Kidney would be taking up the position for the beginning of the 2013/14 academic year.
“We pride ourselves on providing a world class student experience at UCC and Declan brings a wealth of world class experience to this role,” said Dr Ian Pickup, Head of the Student Experience.
“I have no doubt that Declan will provide exceptional leadership in all areas and at all levels of sport development, and we are very excited about UCC’s sporting future.”
Kidney added: “I am really looking forward to working with the staff in the Department of Sport and Physical Activity, and to learn from the Coaches and Managers of the 60 Clubs that at present are in existence in UCC.
“I firmly believe in a holistic approach to education and see physical activity, be it at the highest elite level or participating just for fun, to be an integral part of this experience.”
