Rugby Union: Ashton tipped to accept top Irish post
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bath are today expected to announce that they are to part company with their coach, Brian Ashton, after a six-year association, writes David Llewellyn. That would leave the way open for Ashton, the 55-year-old former history teacher, to take up a possible post as director of rugby with the Irish Rugby Union.
Ashton, who joined Bath in 1990 and turned professional in the summer, was believed to have been in Dublin over the weekend for talks on the possibility of becoming the IRFU's inaugural director of rugby, a similar post to the one Terry Cobner holds with the Welsh Rugby Union. The IRFU are known to be unhappy with the present set-up and the present coach, Murray Kidd, faces the axe after Ireland's humiliating home defeat against Italy on Saturday.
Ashton helped guide Bath to three of their four Pilkington Cup and Courage League doubles - in 1992, 1994 and 1996 - but recently took paid leave of absence. Ashton had been unhappy for some time with his role in team affairs, and is believed to have little say in team selection. If he does leave the club, it is likely that the former England flanker Andy Robinson would take over as caretaker coach.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments