Ireland coach Ged Corcoran is back in clubland with York

Ireland head coach Ged Corcoran has linked up with Championship club York to be Andrew Henderson’s assistant coach.

Corcoran became the first Irish-born head coach of the Ireland national side last year, having been born and bred in County Offaly.

The 39-year-old led his country at last year’s World Cup, beating debutants Jamaica in the group stages. He also managed current York players Brendan O’Hagan and Ronan Michael.

Corcoran will assist head coach Andrew Henderson and player-coach Danny Kirmond at the Knights.

He said: “I’m really excited about the challenge ahead and working with Andrew Henderson and the great group of players that we currently have at the club; a mix of seasoned pros and some inspired young professional athletes that want to be at the top of the game.

“I spoke to Hendo throughout the World Cup and while he was at Keighley Cougars. We speak about rugby all the time and we both challenge each other.

“When he told me what he wanted to achieve in the role and where he wanted to take the club, it excited me straight away.

“I’m really looking forward to the end point and where he sees the club going. That excites me as a coach.”

Andrew Henderson delighted to welcome Ged Corcoran to York

Corcoran, who won 11 caps for Ireland during his playing career, has spent several years as Mark Aston’s assistant at Sheffield, who also play in the Championship.

Henderson said: “I’ve known Ged for a number of years and he’s spent a lot of time in the Betfred Championship as an assistant coach at Sheffield Eagles and he’s the Ireland head coach too.

“Ged brings honesty, good energy and enthusiasm for the game, which is really important for the type of people that I want working in this organisation and within this performance department.

“Ged decided to leave Sheffield and wanted a new challenge in a new environment to reinvigorate him, so I’m really fortunate to have him on board.

“It’s come at the best time for both parties because I felt we needed another pair of hands.

“From speaking to Danny Kirmond, I want him to focus more on the playing with a plan to drip-feed him within the coaching department throughout the year.

“We’ve also got Will Leatt as team manager, who also provides coaching support.”

Corcoran played for Halifax, Dewsbury, Oldham, Sheffield and Toulouse during his playing career.

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