9
ULSTER
RUGBY
LES KISS TO RETURN AFTER
RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015
After the abrupt departure of David
Humphreys, followed by Ulster Rugby’s
decision to release Mark Anscombe, the
IRFU provided Les Kiss in the role of interim
Director of Rugby for the province. Les Kiss
will leave Ulster next week to take up his full-
time coaching duties with the National Team
as they prepare for the Guinness Series,
Six Nations and Rugby World Cup 2015. At
the conclusion of the RWC 2015, Les will
return to Ulster in a full-time role as Director
of Rugby.
The IRFU believes that the experience and
expertise provided by Les Kiss post RWC
2015 will aid the coaching group at Ulster
and will also help to develop players.
Les Kiss said “I am very appreciative of the
continued faith the IRFU and Ulster Rugby
have demonstrated in me and, while I’m
delighted to get the security in the long
term, I am very much focused first and
foremost on the next 12 months. It’s exciting
that the Springboks arrive here in less than
three weeks and that the Guinness Series
is almost upon us. The National coaching
team have remained in close contact and
Joe has been particularly supportive of my
dual roles over the last few months, which
has made things a lot easier for me.”
Ireland Head Coach, Joe Schmidt, is
enthusiastic about his coaching colleague’s
future post, but is staying short term
focused “Les is tremendous value and his
integrity, coaching ability and positivity will
add definite value to Ulster in the long term.
But, like the rest of the National coaching
IRFU Confirms Les Kiss to return to Ulster after
Rugby World Cup 2015
team, we are both very much focused on
the upcoming Guinness Series. Beyond that
there are plenty of challenges leading up to
Six Nations and RWC 2015.”
Ulster CEO, Shane Logan expressed his
appreciation for the support offered by the
IRFU and confirmed:
“We have finalised the coaching structure
that we wish to have in place and are in
advanced negotiations to recruit based on
that. We will also announce a team manager
to bridge the gap prior to Les taking up his
role allowing him to be fully committed to
his coaching duties with the National Team.”
Finally, IRFU Director of Rugby, David
Nucifora, reiterated the IRFU’s commitment
to supporting the province in saying that
“Les is an ideal fit for Ulster and did a great
job guiding them through a disruptive
period. He will head back there post RWC
2015 but is totally committed to the National
programme over the next 12 months.”
DIRECTOR OF RUGBY ANNOUNCEMENT
