Nick Kennedy to retire and coach London Irish academy

As revealed in The Rugby Paper on April 20, Nick Kennedy will retire from rugby at the end of the season and take up the role of academy director at the London Irish academy.
The lock, 32, who made 208 appearances for the Exiles in his eight-year stint, will link up with club legends Declan Danaher and Paul Hodgson to look after the next generations.
“I have decided to cut short my playing career to be part of the exciting new era at London Irish,” said Kennedy. “I, along with many other past and present international rugby players, am a product of the club’s academy. I look forward to joining up with the team in the summer and working with the future stars of the club.”
Leaving Harlequins with Kennedy are Maurie Fa’asavalu, Tom Guest, Sam Smith, Nic Mayhew and Max Crumpton. Paul Sackey and Tim Molenaar, who were with the club as injury dispensation cover, will also not return next season.