Ireland coaches sign contract extensions

(Photo: Getty Images)
By Adam Ellis
The IRFU have handed new contracts to four of Joe Schmidt's lieutenants ahead of Ireland's summer tour to Australia.
Defence coach Andy Farrell, forwards coach Simon Easterby, scrum coach Greg Feek and skills coach Richie Murphy have all put pen-to-paper to consolidate Ireland's position as genuine World Cup contenders after winning three of the past five Six Nations Championships.
Farrell, Easterby and Feek have all had their deals extended through to June 2020, while Murphy will revert to a consultancy role in bringing magic to Ireland's backline having signed on to coach Japanese outfit Ricoh Black Rams.
“We have a world class coaching group that has driven and sustained high levels of performance on the international stage,” said David Nucifora, IRFU performance director.
“They also support the work of the provinces with their technical expertise and play an important role in the development of young players on the pathway to international honours.”
Heading into the summer off a Grand Slam Six Nations campaign, Ireland take on the Wallabies in Brisbane on June 9.