Angry Maggs takes swipe at Moseley

KEVIN Maggs remains disappointed by the ‘shocking’ manner of his exit from Moseley but is relishing his new role as a talent coach for the Irish Rugby Union.

Maggs has been jettisoned by Moseley after seven years – a move he feels was driven by off-field politics rather than any lack of ability as a coach.

He told TRP: “It was very disappointing the way it finished – shocking really – and it could have been handled much better by some senior people at Moseley.

“I dedicated a lot of time over many years and was always straight with people, but some people don’t like that and the political animals among them wanted control.

“Moseley chose to make the change but I felt I could have been treated with more respect. It’s happened and I’m thrilled about this new role.”

Maggs, capped 70 times by Ireland, has become a regional talent coach as part of the IRFU’s IQ (Irish qualified) programme working alongside former RFU man Joe Lydon.

Maggs’ remit is to identify Irish players with the potential to represent age group sides and beyond. He cites former Harlequins lock Kieran Treadwell, 21, as a prime example having just been called-up by Ireland a year after joining Ulster.

Maggs said: “Kieran’s didn’t really play a lot in England but has gone to Ulster, played fantastically well and now he’s going on an Ireland tour. You’d be surprised by how much untapped Irish talent there is here.

“The EQP system makes it harder but if guys believe they are eligible and want to play for Ireland, I’d like to hear from them.”