FORMER Australia rugby league international Les Kiss has been named as Ireland's new defence coach.
Kiss' appointment continues the restructuring under new head coach Declan Kidney and follows the recent appointment of Gert Smal as forwards coach.
After a successful playing career, Kiss initially coached in league with North Sydney Bears and Lo
ndon Broncos – now Harlequins RL.
He then switched codes to coach in union in 2001, when he was recruited by South Africa as defence coach. Kiss took up posts with a number of South African club sides before returning to Australia for a six-year spell with the New South Wales Waratahs.
He said of his new role: "The opportunity to work with Ireland and to be involved at the international level of the game held great attraction for me.
"I am looking forward to working with Declan Kidney and his group and learning about and contributing to the overall structure.
"There is an exciting challenge ahead for us over the next few years in the lead-up to the Rugby World Cup in 2011."
Kidney added: "This is another key appointment for the new coaching team and again we are delighted to have secured someone with Les' experience and top-level coaching credentials.
"He brings with him a fresh outlook and coaching ideas from both codes and I am sure will add a new dimension to the defence aspect of the team."
• Gloucester and Wales number eight Gareth Delve will have surgery next month to assess the extent of the injury to his left knee.
The 25-year-old damaged his anterior cruciate ligament during Wales' summer tour to South Africa and will definitely miss the start of next season.
Delve will undergo the operation on 9 July following consultation with specialist Andy Williams and will be out of action for a number of months.
Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan said: "Gareth is a tremendous individual and an outstanding player – someone we wanted to build around for the future.
"This injury is obviously a significant setback to him and the club but I have no doubts he will be back in Gloucester colours next season.
"He has drive, determination and a willingness to succeed and I'm sure that will come through in his recovery."
Meanwhile, Gloucester flanker Akapusi Qera is also struggling with a knee injury and will see a specialist in London on Monday.
The full article contains 411 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
