Leinster's Andrew Goodman to replace Mike Catt as Ireland backs coach

Andrew Goodman has been appointed as Ireland's new attack and backs coach, with the Leinster assistant set to swap the province for the national side next summer.

The New Zealander, who joined the province in the summer of 2022, has agreed a three-year contract that will see him work under Andy Farrell through to the next Rugby World Cup.

Catt, who has held the attack role with Ireland since 2020, will return to England next summer after Ireland's tour of South Africa.

Last week, IRFU performance director David Nucifora said they were close to agreeing terms with his successor, and the union have this afternoon confirmed Goodman's appointment on a three-year contract.

"This has obviously been a very difficult decision to make in one way because I have loved coming back to Leinster," said Goodman, who previously played for Leinster in 2012 before returning to their coaching ticket last year.

"I'd like to thank Leo [Cullen] for the opportunity to come back and to make Dublin our family home, and I’d like to thank the players, the coaches, the staff and everyone based in UCD, for the welcome they have given myself, Nina and the kids."

Goodman, who won the 2022 Super Rugby title as part of the Crusaders coaching team, has been highly regarded since getting on board with Leinster, and has dipped his toes into Test rugby as part of the Samoa backroom team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The 41-year-old initially joined as a backline assistant, but has been given control of the attack this year since Stuart Lancaster's departure caused a reshuffle in the coaching staff.

"The opportunity to test yourself at the very highest level is something that I have loved doing with Samoa in the last few years and now this challenge has come up with