Kiss joins Kidney's ticket

The IRFU has appointed former Australian rugby league wing Les Kiss as Ireland's new defence coach under Declan Kidney.

Like forwards coach Gert Smal, Kiss has experience at international level with South Africa and played an important part in the Springboks defence conceding just 11 tries in the 2001 Tri-Nations.

Kidney today welcomed the appointment, saying "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".

Kiss, whose work with the New South Wales Waratahs since 2003 culminated in the Super 14 team boasting the best defensive record for six years running, said today:  "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."
 
After his work with the Springboks led to the side conceding fewer tries and points than either New Zealand or Australia, Kiss had stints with three South African Super 12 teams - the Stormers, Cats and Bulls - before joining the Waratahs as a defensive analyst.

He was later promoted to assistant coaching roles in in defence and backs strategy.

Kiss was also assistant coach with Australia A between 2003 and 2007 and with the Wallabies under-21s in 2003.

He played top flight rugby league with the North Sydney Bears between 1986 and 1993, making 100 appearances, and made four State of Origin appearances for Queensland.