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Leinster coach John Fogarty to join Ireland staff after World Cup

Leinster scrum coach John Fogarty to join Ireland team after the 2019 World Cup. Photo By David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images

Leinster coach John Fogarty will join the Ireland coaching staff after the 2019 World Cup, the club confirmed Monday.

Fogarty will assume the role of Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) National Academy forwards coach from July. 1.

The 41-year-old will replace Greg Leek who intends to leave the position to coach Japanese club NEC Green Rockets.

"I've enjoyed my time in Leinster Rugby," said Fogerty in a statement. "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 crucial part 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).

"John has illustrated a keen insight into the technical aspects of forward play and this new role will enable him to drive alignment, innovation and development across the coaching and player pathway," said IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora.

"His scrum expertise and knowledge of the players within the system makes John a terrific choice for the national team role from 2020. His progression through the IRFU coaching pathway to this position as an indigenous Irish coach is also very pleasing."

Following the announcement of Fogarty's departure, Leinster confirmed that Wales forwards coach Robin Mcbryde will join the club as assistant coach after the World Cup.

McBryde, who was capped 37 times for Wales and played over 250 games for the region, will end his 13-year tenure with them after helping Warren Gatland's side complete the Six Nations Grand Slam earlier this year.

"I am delighted to be joining Leinster," said Mcbryde in a statement. "They are one of the standout teams in Europe, with a strong identity and a proud history, and I am really looking forward to starting with them later this year.

"I see it as a great opportunity to join a very experienced and exciting coaching team and to help continue Leinster's great successes. They are a world renowned team, with passionate supporters and I am looking forward to working with the squad and the coaches.

"I'm hugely proud of my time with Wales, and it has been an honour to coach my country. I have never taken it for granted and it has been a hugely rewarding experience to have been part of the coaching team under Warren Gatland and the success we have had over the years. I am thrilled to have secured my future with Leinster post RWC, and it now allows me to focus all my energy on the task at hand with Wales."