Ireland

Michael Bradley will serve as a temporary head coach for Ireland's Tests in Australia and New Zealand next month, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) announced Thursday.

Bradley, currently Director or Rugby for provincial side Connacht, steps in because Declan Kidney, who was appointed this week as the long-term successor to Eddie O'Sullivan, will not be available for the tour.

Kidney is still in charge of Munster, whose season will not be concluded until the end of this month when they face Toulouse in the Heineken Cup Final.

As a result, Kidney could not be part of Ireland's preparations for the trip down under and will take up his position after the squad's return.

Ireland are due to play a pre-tour match against the Barbarians on May 27 then face New Zealand in Auckland on June 7 and Australia in Melbourne a week later.

Bradley has recently coached Ireland A sides as well as being a former international scrumhalf.

AFP