The IRFU today announced the appointment of Seamus Toomey as Performance Pathway Scrum Coach to aid the development of front row forwards across the Provincial and National Performance Pathways.
Toomey will work with John Fogarty, National Scrum Coach, and the Provincial Coaching Staff to implement the National Scrum Programme.
One of the key aspects of the role will be to identify the next generation of front-row forwards in Ireland.
Toomey, formerly a forwards coach with Blackrock College SCT and scrum coach with Old Belvedere RFC, has a proven track record in developing young front row players, including Ireland internationals Oli Jager, Jeremy Loughman, Thomas Clarkson, and Gus McCarthy.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Peter Smyth, IRFU Head of Elite Player Development, said: “We’re delighted to confirm the appointment of Seamus to this new and important position within our Performance Pathway. Seamus has accumulated a vast amount of experience and expertise working with young front row players across our schools and club game over the course of 20 years, and he will continue to be an invaluable asset to Irish Rugby in this new role moving forward.
“Identifying and developing front row forwards is a major focus for us, and we hope Seamus’ commitment, dedication, and proven success in doing so, as he works alongside John Fogarty, our Performance Pathway staff, and the provincial coaches, will drive this forward.”
Toomey is currently part of Neil Doak’s Ireland Men’s U20s Coaching Team, preparing for the 2025 U20 Six Nations, starting with Ireland vs. England on January 30 at Virgin Media Park, Cork.
Toomey added: “I am delighted to join the IRFU in this new role at such an exciting time for Irish rugby. I have worked extensively within different areas of our game over a number of years, but to now have the platform to work at a national level and use my experience to align our national scrum programme across the age-grade programmes and facilitate the continued development of world-class front row players to represent Ireland is a hugely exciting opportunity.”
