Ireland confirm assistant coach from South Sydney Rabbitohs

Ireland have confirmed Joe O’Callaghan as their assistant coach ahead of this year’s Rugby League World Cup. 

He joins newly appointed head coach Ged Corcoran following the departure of Stuart Littler.

O’Callaghan is head of Elite Pathways and Player Development with South Sydney Rabbitohs. He joins Rugby League Ireland as both assistant coach and advisor on domestic development with the aim of helping Ireland reach tier one status.

He is contracted to the end of the tournament in France in the autumn of 2025.

Ireland face Jamaica, Lebanon and New Zealand at this year’s World Cup in England.

Joe O’Callaghan to combine Ireland and South Sydney Rabbitohs roles

He said: “I am very excited to be coming on board with Rugby League Ireland after a long career now of coaching and development roles through numerous levels of pathways rugby league up to the NRL.

“Getting involved with an international program is something that has interested me for some time. I felt no better way to do this than with a country that holds a special space for me with my family heritage.

“I have found the organisation extremely professional so far through all my dealings with the chairman Jim Reynolds and the men’s national side head coach Ged Corcoran.

“Through all our dealings and conversations to this point it has become quite clear to me key values that exist within RLI including passion and drive to reach higher goals, prepared to work hard and most of all a clear sense of humility of how important everyone is to the cause.

“A lot of these ingredients are key flavours of our culture here at the South Sydney Rabbitohs. These are the types of groups I love to associate with. So, it was an easy decision for me to jump on board.”

Ireland are expected to name other coaching staff in the next two weeks.

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