The IRFU have employed the services of an outside consultant to help in drawing up a shortlist of possible managerial successors to Declan Kidney who it emerged yesterday would not have his contract renewed.
Such an action would be considered as very much the norm in business and it is encouraging that the lessons of the boardroom should apply to such an important sporting appointment.
Kidney is reported to have stated his case for a renewal and there are many who would argue that the only coach to lead Ireland’s mens team to a Grand Slam in the modern era should have been given more time after a season of injury and disappointment but one which did at least yield victory away against the eventual champions, Wales.
Sport in 2013 though is as fast moving off the pitch as it is on and with every decision under intense scrutiny by media, fans and players alike, it did appear inevitable that the decision for change would come.
The IRFU will also need to be mindful of things other than tactical and man management ability when it comes to a final decision, as can be seen from events in England this week.
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[ismember]Sunderland’s sacking of Martin O’Neill as the club plunged towards the relegation zone in the English Premier League was less surprising than the decision to appoint Paolo di Canio, an Italian who has previously stated his support for fascism, as his successor.
Di Canio’s record in management is somewhat patchy and certainly controversial and his appointment has been greeted with dismay by many.
Sunderland Chairman David Milliband, a one time Labour Minister has already resigned and yesterday it emerged that the club’s principal sponsor Invest in Africa was reviewing whether to continue its association with the club.
The not for profit initiative was set up by Tullow Oil and includes Ernst & Young among its partners.  Its original deal was for this season with an option to renew and that now looks less than likely, regardless of relegation or survival.
Fan groups including strong local organisations like the Durham Miners Association have also voiced their strong opposition and it is difficult to imagine an appointment that would have caused more upset.
The responsibility on the IRFU as a national governing body means they will at least be mindful of the need to appoint someone who will lead and inspire support at every level of the game.
It would be time well spent though, before a shortlist is decided upon, to do a thorough search on any public or private views expressed by candidates on alcohol, mobile phones or any other sector where a sponsor is involved or members risk being outraged.[/ismember]

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