Ireland bolster backroom team

Ireland have recruited former Saracens and Munster rugby director Alan Gaffney as backs coach.

And new Ireland head coach Declan Kidney has also handed ex-Bristol fly-half Mark Tainton the role of kicking coach, a position he held with Ireland from 2003 until the end of last season's RBS 6 Nations Championship.

Australian Gaffney, who led Saracens to the Heineken Cup semi-finals last term, will combine his Ireland role with a coaching position he recently took up at Magners League champions Leinster.

Kidney said: "We are delighted to have both Alan and Mark on board with Ireland.

"Both of them are extremely strong technical coaches in their areas, and I think they will bring a further positive mix to the coaching team and squad."