IRFU Appoint Simon Broughton As Leinster Academy Manager

Tuesday, 28 September 2021 at 15:06

He has been working with underage sides in the province for 15 years.

The I-R-F-U has confirmed Simon Broughton's appointment as Leinster's new academy manager.

New Zealander Broughton has been coaching underage representative sides at Leinster for 15 years and succeeds Noel McNamara in the role.

Leinster's head-coach Leo Cullen says it's a "critical appointment" for the province.

Peter Smyth, IRFU Head of Elite Player Development, said,

“Simon has been doing great work identifying and nurturing talent in Leinster’s player pathway working with both Leinster Provincial Talent Squad and IRFU National Talent Squad players.

Simon Broughton, Leinster Academy Manager, commented,

“It’s a privilege to take on the Leinster Academy Manager’s role and to progress the great work Noel, Peter and Girvan have delivered before me.

“I’m excited at the opportunity to work with a great group of people, to support Leo, the senior coaching team and I’m committed to enhancing our Academy players development both individually and collectively as they aspire to contribute to the culture and values of the team.

“I also look forward to strengthening our relationships within our community and collaborating with our rugby department to create quality environments within our clubs and schools.”

Leo Cullen, Leinster Rugby Head Coach, said,

“This is a critical appointment for Leinster Rugby and in particular the continuing development of our player pathway model. Simon will add considerably to the body of work already delivered in the past by Noel, Peter, Girvan and Collie.

“Simon has a wealth of experience in his own playing capacity and over the last number of years with age grade and development sides but more than that he understands from his work over the last few years the value we place on the player pathway in Leinster Rugby.”