The Irish Rugby Football Union has announced that Grand Slam-winning coach Declan Kidney will not be offered a new contract.

Kidney’s current deal ends on June 30 but his role as coach of the senior side will cease with immediate effect.

The future of the 53-year-old coach has been the subject of speculation since Ireland’s lacklustre RBS Six Nations campaign, which ended with them only narrowly avoiding the wooden spoon.

And the IRFU have released a statement which read: "The Irish Rugby Football Union will not be offering a new contract to Declan Kidney after his current agreement ends

"The decision was made following an in-depth review process, carried out by the IRFU’s National Team Review Group.”

IRFU CEO Philip Browne added: "We would like to sincerely thank Declan for his commitment to Irish rugby.

"His contribution and involvement across the spectrum of Irish rugby delivered under-age, Provincial, Grand Slam and Triple Crown success, and epitomises his passion, belief and commitment to the game.

"With a host of new and emerging talent at every level, we are confident of securing another world-class coach to work with this talented and ambitious group of players.”

Agencies