Rugby:Ireland forwards' coach Gert Smal will take no further part in the Six Nations Championship because of an eye condition. Anthony Foley, assistant coach at Munster, has been drafted in to replace the South African for the remainder of the championship.
Irish coach Declan Kidney, speaking at today’s press conference ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Italy, insisted the change will cause minimal disruption to Ireland’s Six Nations. “Unfortunately Gert fell ill earlier in the week.
“He had a pre-existing eye condition from many years back — I don’t have full medical details but they are a private matter anyway — and it means he is ruled out for the rest of the Six Nations.
“We have called in Anthony Foley and we have the blessing of Munster to do that. He will work with the forwards along with (scrum coach) Greg Feek. Gert is a very well-prepared man. It’s an unfortunate situation but the prep work has been done so it won’t hinder us overtly.”
An IRFU statement read: “Smal had an existing condition affecting his eye sight which has been exacerbated over the last week and for which he is currently receiving treatment. The medical advice has been that he rest and he will not be involved for the remainder of the Six Nations.
“The Ireland team management have confirmed that O2 Ireland Wolfhounds and Munster forwards’ coach Anthony Foley has been appointed in Gert Smal’s place to assist preparations for the last three weeks of the championship."
Kidney added: "Our hope is that Gert will make a quick recovery and that he will be back working with the squad as soon as possible. The medical advice given to us is that he needs rest and that he would not be with us for the rest of the championship.
"‘We felt that Anthony (Foley), as Munster and Ireland Wolfhounds forwards’ coach was the best person to help us out in Gert’s (Smal) absence and we are delighted that both Munster and Anthony have agreed to our request."
Foley will complete his duties with Munster for their RaboDirect Pro12 game against Cardiff this evening and then join up with the squad ahead of tomorrow’s game against Italy.
Ireland captain, Paul O’Connell, speaking at the same press conference today admitted: “It’s not ideal not having Gert (Smal) around this week. We’ve followed the regular pattern of the week, but we haven’t had him critiquing us like normal. We have tried to stay on top of it and monitor ourselves. But Anthony is an excellent coach and should be a good addition.”
