Kidney is a perfect fit for the Exiles
GIVEN that he is the most decorated coach Irish rugby has produced, it is somewhat bizarre that Declan Kidney has not worked in professional rugby for the last five years. There may have been a personal choice aspect to that but the man who brought Ireland to their first Grand Slam in 61 years and Munster to two European Cups, on the back of a 30-year coaching record of consistent achievement, Kidney clearly has plenty to offer. As London Irish have recognised with the news Kidney and his former Ireland defence sidekick Les Kiss are being brought in to try to revive the Exiles’ fortunes. It is a big job, relegation to the English Championship looks unavoidable, but one that is perfect for Kidney, who will analyse the operation from the ground up and work out the best way to build Irish up again. Identity is a big issue, the support base in Irish, the squad cosmopolitan and the fact they play their matches in the soulless surrounds of the Madejski Stadium in Reading (56km from their Sunbury heartland) is something that needs to be looked at. It is a great opportunity for Kiss also, a hugely talented coach who must be feeling more than a little scarred by the toxicity he encountered at Ulster. The question of who takes over at Ravenhill is much more difficult. Ulster need a strong figure to exert aggressive control and face down all the off-field influences that have made the job so difficult. And, we keep coming back to Dean Richards as a man who could bring a huge amount to Irish rugby. Richards has done a remarkable job at Newcastle but there is only so far he can take them and Ulster have the funds to lure him over.