McKibbin Set For Referee Coaching Switch

London Irish scrum-half Brendan McKibbin will be retiring at the end of the season to join the Rugby Australia Referee Coaching ranks.

The 33-year-old joined London Irish from NSW Waratahs in 2015, and to date has made 58 appearances for the Exiles.

McKibbin says that he is heading back to Australia with plenty of fond memories of his four years at Hazelwood.

“Playing for London Irish has been a privilege,” he said. “It’s a great place with some great people and I’m confident that with the stadium move in 2020 and the squad that is being put together that the club has a positive future ahead of it.

“I’m looking forward to the new challenge of joining Rugby Australia, working with the country’s elite referees, and making the next step in my career.

“In the meantime I’d like to thank everyone who’s made me welcome at London Irish and hopefully we can finish off the season on a high.”

Director of Rugby Declan Kidney thanked McKibbin for his contribution.

“Brendan has been a member of our senior leadership team and has had a very positive influence on everything that has happened this season,” he said.

“I cannot speak highly enough about his contribution, and whereas we’re losing him to the playing side of the game I believe that he’s a great appointment to the ARU and we wish him and his family all the very best and thank him for his outstanding contribution to London Irish.”