John Fogarty to take over as Ireland scrum coach

Leinster Rugby and the IRFU have today confirmed that John Fogarty will take up the role of IRFU National Academy Forwards Coach from the 1st July 2019.

Fogarty replaces the outgoing Greg Feek who will step down after this year's World Cup in Japan.

Commenting on the move, Fogarty said, “I’ve enjoyed my time in Leinster Rugby. Working with some of the players from a young age and seeing them grow into senior players with Leinster and for some, with Ireland, has been brilliant.

“To get the chance to now develop that further with all four Academies and to work with Andy Farrell and the rest of the Ireland set up is something that I’m very much looking forward to.

“I wouldn’t have had this chance though if Leinster Rugby and Leo Cullen hadn’t given me the opportunity to work with the Leinster senior team. I am very grateful for that opportunity. I’ll miss what we have built here at Leinster but I am equally excited by what lies ahead.”

Fogarty will play a key role in the development of forward coaches within the elite pathway and deliver technical clinics to the Academies, National Age Grade Squads and players in the National Talent Squad (NTS).

He will assume the role of national scrum coach post Rugby World Cup 2019 where he will continue to work across all four Provinces to ensure the consistency and alignment of players is continued to be built on the back of the excellent work Greg Feek has done, the club has confirmed.

Fogarty was appointed Scrum Coach by Leinster in June 2015 having previously held the position of Elite Player Development Officer with the province. He has also coached at Ireland U20 level and with Leinster ‘A’.

Prior to his move into coaching Fogarty was part of the 2009 Leinster Rugby Heineken Cup-winning squad and won a total of 44 caps with the province.

He also represented Munster and Connacht, winning 110 caps out west, before his move to Leinster.

Fogarty was capped by Ireland on the summer tour to New Zealand in 2010.