Kilkenny Rugby appoint club stalwart to role as Director of Rugby

Kilkenny Rugby Club (RFC) have officially announced the appointment of Steve Ashmore as the club's Director of Rugby.

"Steve brings a strong and well-established rugby background to the role, with significant coaching experience across club, schools and representative rugby," a club spokesperson said in a statement.

"His coaching record includes Leinster League title successes and a Provincial Towns Cup win with Kilkenny RFC, a Leinster Schools Division 1A title with Kilkenny College, and coaching involvement with Leinster Juniors and Leinster U17 Schools.

"He will lead the overall rugby programme, with responsibility for supporting alignment across the club, strengthening player pathways, supporting coach development, and helping to ensure clear standards and long-term rugby progression," the statement continued.

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"This appointment reflects the club's commitment to continued development on and off the field, and to building a strong, sustainable rugby structure for players, coaches and volunteers at all levels.

Mr Ashmore said he felt ' a strong connection to both the club and the people involved'.

"I'm really grateful for the trust the club has put in me. As a previous Head Coach of the Men's team in Kilkenny RFC, the club has been a big part of my rugby journey in the past," he continued.

"There has been a huge amount of good work done both on and off the pitch in recent times, and I'm looking forward to building on that progress with the committee, coaches, volunteers and players, helping drive a clear pathway and strong standards right through the whole club," he concluded.

Club Chairman Vinny O'Shea added; "We are delighted to appoint Steve Ashmore as our new Director of Rugby, a role that will bring together every strand of rugby in our club - Men, Women, Youths and Minis.

"Steve brings a wealth of rugby knowledge & experience to the role. This appointment strengthens our commitment to creating a unified pathway, supporting our coaches, and providing the best possible environment for all our players."

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