Wednesday 6 January 2016 16:12, UK
Former England assistant coach Andy Farrell is to become Ireland's new defence coach.
Farrell was ousted from his role as Stuart Lancaster's right-hand man after England's poor Rugby World Cup campaign and he will take on his new role after the Six Nations.
He joined the England set-up in 2011 after a spell in charge of Aviva Premiership side Saracens and was also part of the coaching staff for the 2013 British and Irish Lions.
The 40-year-old, an international player in rugby union and rugby league, has signed a contract through to the end of the 2019 World Cup, which will be hosted by Japan.
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt said: "It's great to have Andy coming into our coaching team.
"The quality of his delivery and breadth of his experience as well as the positive impact he had when coaching a number of our senior players during the 2013 Lions tour will add real value for us."
Farrell said: "To have this opportunity to work with a very talented management and playing group really excites me.
"With a wealth of top class experienced senior players and a fantastic crop of youngsters pushing hard the future is very positive for Irish rugby and I can't wait to get started."
