Declan Kidney offered major new role within the IRFU

The former Munster coach has been given the task of looking after Ireland's elite talent under the title of Performance manager, Age Grade Rugby.

''The new position we are offering Declan is a key role in the future of rugby in Ireland,'' said IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne.

''In Ireland we see an urgent need for an age-grade performance manager.''

Kidney went on to say that while disappointed in not receiving a new coaching contract with Ireland, he was happy to consider the new role.

''While obviously disappointed at my current contract not being renewed, I appreciate the offer of this new position from the Union,'' said Kidney, who has a cold relationship with Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan.

''However, the offer in question is not a coaching position as such, therefore while considering it, I will now be looking at all options open to me.

''In the meantime, I will as usual be concentrating on fulfilling my obligations to the best of my ability in the best interest of the Ireland team.''

Declan would, of course, always be considered for any front-line coaching role that might become available Philip Browne

When O'Sullivan took over from Warren Gatland, Kidney was co-opted in as his assistant. However, unlike O'Sullivan, Kidney, was not offered an extension to his contract up to the next World Cup after Ireland returned from Australia in November.

But the IRFU do not want to lose such a talented coach to the likes Leicester or Sale.

''We see an urgent need for a performance manager in age-grade rugby in order to provide leadership, direction and technical expertise,'' said Browne.

''We need someone to implement a plan which is designed in line with supporting sub-professional pathways and systems.

''Declan would, of course, always be considered for any front-line coaching role that might become available in Irish rugby and in which he was interest.''