News: Following the imminent departure of Ireland defensive coach Mike Ford to English Premiership club Saracens, the IRFU yesterday offered Ford's old position to current Munster defence coach Graham Steadman.
Steadman had been on the short list for the Irish job along with the current Ulster defence coach, Neil Kelly.
The 15-times-capped Britain rugby league international had a successful career with Featherstone Rovers and Castleford before joining Munster specifically as a defensive coach in August of last year.
The offer, which is certain to be accepted, is viewed by Munster as a significant loss to their management team, although a terrific gain for the national side.
The 42-year-old Steadman, who spent 15 years at Castleford as player and coach, is one of several high-profile league coaches who have ended up working in the 15-man code.
Former Britain coach Phil Larder began the trend when he was appointed England defensive coach in 1999 and since then Clive Griffiths and Ford were recruited to lock the defences of Wales and Ireland, respectively.
Another league stalwart, Dave Ellis, is working with France, while former Dewsbury and Widnes boss Kelly remains in Ulster.
Steadman was also part of the Lions backroom staff for four years, initially as assistant to David Waite and latterly as right-hand man to his successor, Brian Noble. Following his move to Munster and rugby union, he has made a huge impression on players and coaching staff and was generally recognised by the squad as being as good as if not better than the highly regarded Ford.
While Ford will officially remain in charge of Irish duties until after the autumn Tests against New Zealand, Australia and Romania, it is understood Steadman will be installed before then for a brief transitional period before taking over.
"He has been offered the position but there has been no formal contact with management and Graham Steadman has not accepted anything as far as we are aware," said a Munster spokesman yesterday.
The province are, however, totally resigned to losing him to Eddie O'Sullivan and Ireland.
