Ireland's new attacking coach, Andrew Goodman, has asserted that the opportunity to coach the Ireland team was a no-brainer for him when presented with the chance.
Goodman, a former New Zealand rugby union player, played for and captained the Tasman Mako in the National Provincial Championship during his career. He also played for Leinster.
On the coaching side, the Kiwi has been Leinster's assistant coach since June 2022. Goodman also worked in the NPC with Tasman Mako and then with the Crusaders, helping them lift the Super Rugby title in the early months of 2022. More recently, he was part of Samoa’s coaching team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Catt, who has held the role Goodman will soon step into since 2020, will return to England next summer after Ireland's tour of South Africa.
Goodman was asked this week if he had thought about leaving his role with Leinster, and he said he accepted the offer without much hesitation. His desire to coach the best was one of the main reasons for the former Leinster player.
“Not really, not with the opportunity to test yourself at the highest level possible,” he said this week
“Like the players here (at Leinster), everyone is striving to get to the highest level possible. It’s the same as being a coach, and that is the highest level possible. The thoughts of being able to coach in the Six Nations, go through a summer tour, and go to a World Cup are something that I’m really looking forward to.”
Backs coach Andrew Goodman and Sam Prendergast during a Leinster Rugby captain's run at the RDS Arena in Dublin. (Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)Goodman has been part of an extremely successful coaching staff that has become the envy of the rugby province and club world.
Goodman will now look to add his experience and skillset to an already impressive Ireland setup under Andy Farrell and co. The 17-capped Leinster player believes he will have to apply the same standards and pressures he has applied at Leinster if he is to become a success with Ireland in the coming years.
“It is just like coming here and Leinster’s attack. People talk about Leinster’s attack, and it is seen as the envy of a lot of teams. It is something that Ireland has done. The coaching group in there has done an amazing job, and the playing group has thrived with the attacking game,"he added.
"When I get in there, I have to make sure that I am challenging myself and looking at ways to push the team forward. That’s pressure, but it’s where you want to be as a coach. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
The 2024 Six Nations Championship is set to commence on Friday, February 2. Andy Farrell's Ireland heads to France to face Les Bleus. This game kicks off at 8 p.m. Irish time. Details about the venue are pending, as Stade de France is unavailable due to preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Ireland will then play consecutive home matches at Aviva Stadium in Rounds 2 and 3. Italy will visit Dublin on Sunday, February 11, which kicks off at 3 p.m., followed by a Wales clash on Saturday, February 24, which kicks off at 2.15 p.m.
In Round 4, Ireland will head to Twickenham to take on England on Saturday, March 9 (this kicks off at 4.45 p.m.). The Championship finale will see Ireland host Scotland at Aviva Stadium on Super Saturday, March 16 (this kicks off at 4.45 p.m.).
Ireland Six Nations Campaign Schedule:
- February 2: Ireland vs. France (8 p.m. Irish time, venue pending)
- February 11: Ireland vs. Italy at Aviva Stadium (3 p.m.)
- February 24: Ireland vs. Wales at Aviva Stadium (2.15 p.m.)
- March 9: England vs. Ireland at Twickenham (4.45 p.m.)
- March 16: Ireland vs. Scotland at Aviva Stadium (4.45 p.m.)
