Kidney adds duo to backroom team

Alan Gaffney joins the Ireland backroom team

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has added Alan Gaffney and Mark Tainton to his coaching staff.

Gaffney will operate as backs coach for the Ireland team, combining his coaching position with that he has taken up with Irish province Leinster.

Tainton, who was a member of the Ireland coaching staff from 2003 up until the end of the 2008 Six Nations, returns to the set-up as kicking coach.

"They will bring a further positive mix to the coaching team," said Kidney.

"We are delighted to have them both on board as both are extremely technical coaches in their areas.

"Alan brings with him experience of both international and most importantly Irish rugby.

"Mark is recognised as one of the top kicking coaches in the world and his experience of working with the squad in the past will help with the transition over the next number of weeks."