Ireland have confirmed Leinster assistant coach Andrew Goodman, will be the replacement for Mike Catt’s upcoming vacancy. Goodman joins Andy Farrell’s coaching staff as the side’s attack coach, after signing a deal which will run until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup
Catt is set to leave Ireland following next Summer’s tour South Africa, after being with the national set-up since 2019. Goodman has continued to grow in his duties ahead of international calling, after stepping up his role at Leinster, after the exit of former England head coach Stuart Lancaster to Racing 92.
Goodman was previously linked as the replacement to Scott Robertson at the Crusaders, did not sign with the Super Rugby franchise with Robertson taking up All Blacks duties. Goodman recently enjoyed a run with Samoan national side, as the Pacific Islanders took on England, Japan, Argentina and Chile at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
“This has obviously been a very difficult decision to make in one way because I have loved coming back to Leinster,” Goodman said.
“A team that I loved playing with and a team that I love coaching. I’d like to thank Leo (Cullen) for the opportunity to come back and to make Dublin our family home, and I’d like to thank the players, the coaches, the staff and everyone based in UCD, for the welcome they have given myself, Nina and the kids.
“The opportunity to test yourself at the very highest level is something that I have loved doing with Samoa in the last few years and now this challenge has come up with Ireland and it’s one that I am hugely excited about.
“It’s a chance to work with one of the best teams in the world and to work with some of the best coaches and players in the world and it was one that I couldn’t turn down.
“I look forward to getting stuck into that when the time is right and building on the great work that Andy Farrell and the other coaches have done to now, but until then, I want to continue doing my best for this club and this group of players and the supporters that we have.”
IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora also added:
“It was clear from the recruitment process that Andrew was a high-calibre candidate and we are delighted that he will continue his journey in Irish rugby over the coming years.
“He brings a wealth of experience of the Irish and international systems and has packed a significant amount into a relatively young coaching career.
“His familiarity with the existing system here, coupled with his knowledge of the global game, will greatly add to our environment.”