Rugby:  Alan Gaffney and Mark Tainton were today confirmed as the latest additions to Ireland coach Declan Kidney's backroom staff, with the former taking over as backs coach and the latter returning to the role of kicking coach after a brief break from the position.

Leinster coach Gaffney will combine roles at both provincial and senior level, while Tainton returns after being a member of the coaching staff from 2003 until the end of this year's Six Nations campaign.

"We are delighted to have both Alan and Mark on board with Ireland. Both of them are extremely strong technical coaches in their areas and I think they will bring a further positive mix to the coaching team and squad," said Kidney.

"Alan brings with him experience of both international and most importantly Irish rugby. Mark is recognised as one of the top kicking coaches in the world and his experience of working with the squad in the past will help with the transition over the next number of weeks".

Gaffney served his time as coach with a number of teams in Australia, including the New South Wales Waratahs before joining Leinster as assistant to current Ulster coach Matt Williams. Leinster won the Celtic League in 2001/'02 and were quarter-finalists in the Heineken Cup the same season.

When Kidney left the current European champions to join the Ireland set-up in 2002, Gaffney moved to Munster for three seasons and steered the province to Celtic League and Celtic Cup success and the Heineken Cup semi-final twice.

Gaffney briefly had another spell back in Australia before joining Guinness Premiership side Saracens at the end of 2005, who also reached the Heineken Cup semi-final during his tenure.

Tainton is a former Bristol outhalf who was capped at both England A and U23 level. After retiring in 1997 he was appointed kicking coach for the England tour to Argentina the same year.

He began working with Munster in 2002 before joining the Ireland squad until earlier this year.