European Rugby Cup : Kidney focused on securing Heineken success

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Declan Kidney

Munster boss Declan Kidney

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Kidney focused on securing Heineken success

7 May 2008, 1:05 pm

Declan Kidney says winning the Heineken Cup is the focus of the final few weeks of his tenure as Munster coach.

Kidney has been appointed as Ireland's new rugby coach but will not take up the reins until after the Heineken Cup final on May 24.

The 48-year-old Munster coach will take over after Ireland play the Barbarians (27 May), New Zealand (7 June) and Australia (14 June), and has signed a contract which will keep him in charge until the 2011 World Cup.

But Kidney says his priority is plotting the tactics for the tussle with Toulouse in Cardiff on May 24. "My focus now for the next three weeks will be totally on the Munster team and the preparation for the Heineken European Cup Final,” he said.

Kidney, who has been favourite to take the role since O'Sullivan's departure, said that he was "delighted" to be given the Ireland position.

"There is no greater honour for any coach than to lead his own country," he said.

"I have worked with many exceptional players during my career at both international and provincial level and there is no doubt that we have the talent in Ireland to be successful at the highest level.

"The challenge going forward for the Ireland team and Irish rugby as a whole is to continue the growth and success on the field. I am excited about the challenge and looking forward to working with the players."

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