Ireland boss Joe Schmidt has moved to bolster his backroom staff with the addition of John Plumtree as forwards coach.
Schmidt takes to the Ireland hot-seat this season after a disappointing RBS 6 Nations campaign saw Declan Kidney leave the role and the ex-Leinster boss step in.
Les Kiss led Ireland’s tour to North America but Schmidt is now in charge and he has recruited Plumtree, formerly head coach of the Natal Sharks since 2008.
New Zealand-born Plumtree was named South African Coach of the Year in 2012 and he will join the Ireland set-up in September.
Schmidt said: “It’s great to have John joining us as part of the Irish coaching team. His proven success and broad experience across a number of competitions along with his ability to provide quality direction will add real value to the team.”
And Plumtree added: “I am really looking forward to becoming part of the Irish coaching set-up. Having watched a number of recent matches there are some really positive challenges in front of us.
“I’m conscious of the responsibility we have and will be working hard to play my part in driving the team forward.”
