BLACKROCK COLLEGE RFC have expressed their “profound sadness” at the death of Philip ‘Goose’ Doyle, who coached Ireland to the Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam in 2013.

In a statement, Blackrock said Doyle, 61, was “the most influential coach in the history of women’s rugby, and Blackrock was deeply privileged to call him one of our own.

“His coaching and playing journey began and ended with Blackrock. He played on numerous teams within the club before turning his hand to coaching, where he gave so generously of his time, knowledge and passion, helping shape generations of players and leaving a legacy that will live in our club forever.”

The statement went on: “Goose coached the Men’s J1’s team in the early 2000s, while simultaneously coaching the forwards for Men’s AIL 1st XV team. As a coach of countless Blackrock Women’s players, Goose, with his beloved wife Nicola, played a pioneering role in the establishment, development and success of women’s rugby within the club. Fittingly, his remarkable coaching career was bookended by success at Rock, including All-Ireland League titles with the club he loved.

Historic 

“His achievements at international level were extraordinary. Goose coached the Ireland Women’s national team in two separate spells, first from 2003 to 2006, and again during Ireland’s most successful period in the 2010s. In 2013, he guided Ireland to a historic Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam, one of the great milestones in Irish rugby. A year later, at the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup, he led Ireland to a famous victory over New Zealand’s Black Ferns, the first win by any Irish national side over New Zealand as Ireland reached the World Cup semi-finals and finished fourth.

Philip Doyle celebrates with Niamh Briggs and Joy Neville after beating New Zealand in 2014. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

“Goose also brought his experience and leadership to Leinster Women, Ulster Women, and later to the Scotland Women’s national team where he was appointed head coach in 2019 to help guide their World Cup qualification campaign. Across every role, he was recognised not only for his rugby knowledge, but for his ability to inspire belief, build teams, and bring the best out of players.

Cared

“At Blackrock, however, Goose was far more than a list of achievements. He was a mentor, a friend, a storyteller, and a constant source of encouragement. He cared deeply about the people he coached. He gave players confidence, challenged them to be better, and reminded everyone around him why rugby is such a special game.

“His contribution to women’s rugby in Ireland, Scotland, Leinster, Ulster and here at Blackrock was immense. Few people have done more to advance the women’s game in Ireland and fewer still have done it with such charisma, warmth, humility and generosity of spirit.”