Ulster Rugby legend David Humphreys fulfilling “lifelong ambition” after being named new IRFU Performance Director

The 52-year-old, who played 72 times for Ireland and captained Ulster to Heineken Cup success in 1999, will join the IRFU in March as Performance Director Designate before taking over full-time from the outgoing David Nucifora next summer.

Since hanging up his boots following a glittering playing career which also included Celtic Cup (2004) and Celtic League (2005/06) triumphs, Humphreys served as Director of Rugby at his home province before spending six years in a similar role with English Premiership outfit Gloucester.

Most recently, the former out-half has been working for the England & Wales Cricket Board as their Director of Performance Operations and is now excited to help shape the future of rugby in his homeland.

“I was fortunate to have a wonderful playing career with Ireland and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to play a part in another chapter of Irish Rugby’s history,” he said. “This role is the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition and I look forward to building on the successful systems put in place by David Nucifora, who has been a driving force behind Irish Rugby for ten years.

“The chance now to further develop the pathways in the Men’s and Women’s game hugely excites me and I am really looking forward to working with all the coaches, provinces, players, and backroom teams to ensure that Irish Rugby continues to go from strength to strength.”

Humphreys was selected following a recruitment process which included candidates from around the world and IRFU CEO Kevin Potts is confident they’ve found the perfect fit.

“In David Humphreys we know we have found someone who believes passionately in Irish Rugby and has the expertise, skills, and desire to keep us competitive on the world stage,” he said. “Our search took us globally and ultimately David was the stand-out candidate.

“David’s journey from a schools player to representing his province and then to the national game ideally places him to understand the needs of the player.

"His local knowledge and 30 years’ experience of elite rugby and immersion in high performance, previously with Cricket Ireland’s High Performance Committee and now his current role with the England & Wales Cricket Board, will bring about enormous benefits and we are excited for the next stage in our evolution.

“David’s observations about the development of the system over the last decade showed a deep understanding and I was enthused by his energy and vision for rugby in Ireland and cannot wait to see him bring it to life.