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LES KISS TO RETURN AFTER RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015

IRFU Confirms Les Kiss to return to Ulster after Rugby World Cup 2015

DIRECTOR OF RUGBY ANNOUNCEMENT

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

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.”

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