Another former Munster player makes a big step towards the big job.
Former Munster, Lions and Ireland captain, Paul O'Connell has taken a step into coaching. The IRFU confirmed he'll join the Ireland under-20's set up.
Breaking News: @Paul_OConnell has joined the Ireland U20 Coaching staff as an Assistant Coach starting today ahead of festive fixtures v @leinsterrugby A & @Munsterrugby A #FutureIsGreen 😀 pic.twitter.com/9RXeIQeZJX
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) 20 December 2017
The legandary player, who was forced to retire in early 2016 with injury, will work with new head coach, Noel McNamara, Amrose Conboy and former Ireland womens head coach, Tom Tierney.
O'Connell's appointment comes ahead of festive fixtures against development teams in Munster and Leinster.
This will give the new coaching staff a perfect chance to examine who'll be in next years Six Nations squad.
Prior to taking up the new role, O'Connell had been working with the Munster accademy.
He's the second former Munster player to have a coaching appointment recently, with Ronan O'Gara set to leave Racing 92 to join Crusaders in New Zealand.
Both are said to be major steps towards the head coach's job with either Ireland or Munster in the future.