GOOD TO GO
Blues coach Andrew looking to hit ground running with Ireland
ANDREW GOODMAN admits improving Ireland’s attack is a daunting prospect but insists he is up to the challenge after doing just that with Leinster.
The Kiwi will succeed Mike Catt in the role after Ireland’s summer Test series against world champions South Africa.
Catt (right), a World Cup winner with England, has been a big success under Andy Farrell in transforming Ireland’s attacking game to make it the envy of many of the world’s top sides.
Goodman, who assumed control of Leinster’s attack from Felipe Contepomi in the summer of 2022, acknowledges he has a big task on his hands.
But he says it is similar to the job he took on with the Blues, who he played for during Joe Schmidt’s time in the hotseat. “Yeah, of course it is,” said the 41-year-old, when asked if the prospect of the new role was a little daunting.
“Their coaching group has done an amazing job and the playing group has thrived with the attacking game.
“When I get in there I have to make sure I’m challenging myself and looking at ways to push the team forward. That’s pressure but it’s where you want to be as a coach. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Goodman confesses he has “mixed emotions” about leaving
Leinster, given the way he was welcomed back into the fold and how he and his family have been treated at the province. “It always takes a year or so to get settled in somewhere and I could have seen myself being settled here for a long time,” he confided. However, when he was approached about the Ireland post and had a few conversations with Farrell about what he wanted and what it would entail, Goodman said he didn’t have to agonise about making the move.
Having loved working with Samoa for the past couple of years and at the last World Cup, he was keen to get involved at that level again.
“It came about through a few conversations and did I have to think about it?
Not really, not with the opportunity to test yourself at the highest level possible,” he explained.
“Like the players here, everyone is striving to get to the highest level possible. It’s the same as a coach.
“The thought of being able to coach in the Six Nations, go through a summer tour, go to a World Cup is something that I’m really looking forward to.
“It is a hugely exciting opportunity and something I couldn’t turn down, testing yourself at the top level of the game and doing it with a team that is playing some exceptional rugby and doing some exceptional things under a head coach who is highly regarded.
“It’s something I’m really looking forward to seeing, how they do things, but also adding my flavour into making sure I contribute to the evolution of the Ireland game.”