Guy Easterby named as new Leinster Chief Scout

The 37-year-old former Ireland international scrum-half will be responsible for developing a national and international scouting network. Reporting directly to the Provincial Team Management Committee, Guy will be responsible for establishing a worldwide network of players who are capable of playing for the Leinster team so that the club will remain competitive in both the Magners League and Heineken Cup competitions.

Guy will also be expected to have linkage and a portfolio of the 'high profile' and emerging directors of coaching and coaches in order for Leinster to be in a position to fill these positions when necessary.

Commenting on the appointment, Leinster Coach Michael Cheika said: "I am delighted to welcome Guy Easterby back to the club and I am pleased that he has accepted this position which will further strengthen the club's ambition to identify and recruit top quality players.

"Guy has a huge wealth of knowledge and experience in the domestic, European and international game and is a hugely respected figure in Leinster having represented both the province with distinction in two spells with the club as well as Ireland on 28 occasions.

"The calibre of applicant was particularly impressive for this position, but it was apparent early on in our discussions how enthusiastic Guy was to make this new position his own. I am confident that this appointment will further enhance the province's standing and I look forward to working with Guy once again."

Guy Easterby said: "I am delighted to be joining Leinster at, what is, a hugely exciting time for the province. The position of Chief Scout is a hugely attractive one for me and I am looking forward to playing a part in the continued development of Leinster as a major force in European rugby.

"The recruitment in terms of playing and coaching personnel over recent months has been first class and I'll be rejoining a fantastic outfit. Given that this is a new role, I will find my feet first and then try to identify outstanding players not just in Ireland, the UK, Europe and in the southern hemisphere, but also in the developing nations who have made massive strides in recent years. You can see that there are talented players on the Sevens circuit, for example.

"It is a huge honour to have been offered the position by Leinster and I am really excited about this opportunity."