Ex-Ulster and Ireland fly-half David Humphreys appointed as new performance director of IRFU

Humphreys, who won 72 caps for Ireland and captained Ulster to the European Cup in 1999, will succeed David Nucifora at the end of the season.

“I was fortunate to have a wonderful playing career with Ireland and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to play a part in another chapter of Irish Rugby’s history,” Humphreys, 52, said.

“This role is the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition and I look forward to building on the successful systems put in place by David Nucifora, who has been a driving force behind Irish rugby for 10 years.

“The chance now to further develop the pathways in the men’s and women’s game hugely excites me and I am really looking forward to working with all the coaches, provinces, players, and backroom teams to ensure that Irish rugby continues to go from strength to strength.”

Humphreys, who is currently the director of performance operations with the England and Wales Cricket Board, will join the IRFU in March next year and work alongside Nucifora before the Australian oversees final preparations for the Paris Olympics from June 1.