Ireland call on Leinster assistant coach Andrew Goodman

The IRFU announced the appointment of Andrew Goodman on Thursday, joining the Ireland Men’s National Team as backs Coach at the end of the current season until 2027.

Assistant Coach at Leinster since June 2022, Goodman has previously worked in the NPC with Tasman Mako and then with the Crusaders, lifting the Super Rugby title in 2022.

The 41-year-old was also part of Samoa’s coaching team at the Rugby World Cup in France.

In his playing days he was an out-half or centre, finding success with Leinster in winning the Celtic League and Challenge Cup.

“This has obviously been a very difficult decision to make in one way because I have loved coming back to Leinster. A team that I loved playing with and a team that I love coaching," said Goodman.

"I’d like to thank Leo for the opportunity to come back and to make Dublin our family home, and I’d like to thank the players, the coaches, the staff and everyone based in UCD, for the welcome they have given myself, Nina and the kids.

“The opportunity to test yourself at the very highest level is something that I have loved doing with Samoa in the last few years and now this challenge has come up with Ireland and it’s one that I am hugely excited about.

“It’s a chance to work with one of the best teams in the world and to work with some of the best coaches and players in the world and it was one that I couldn’t turn down. I look forward to getting stuck into that when the time is right and building on the great work that Andy Farrell and the other coaches have done to now, but until then, I want to continue doing my best for this club and this group of players and the supporters that we have.”

IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora said: “It was clear from the recruitment process that Andrew was a high-calibre candidate and we are delighted that he will continue his journey in Irish rugby over the coming years.

"He brings a wealth of experience of the Irish and international systems and has packed a significant amount into a relatively young coaching career. His familiarity with the existing system here, coupled with his knowledge of the global game, will greatly add to our environment.”