BRIAN ASHTON, who has been acting as coaching adviser to the Ireland team since the start of this season's International Championship, has been handed a massive vote of confidence by the IRFU.

Ashton was appointed coach to the national team yesterday for six years, this runs until the conclusion of the World Cup in 2003. This contract is without precedent and such a lengthy deal was not expected.

He will take up the appointment officially on April 1st and, in conjunction with his appointment, there will be radical change in the selection committee. Ashton will work within a system that will see the committee reduced from five to three members. That alteration will take effect from next season and will be made by the IRFU on the recommendation of the election sub committee, the body responsible for picking the manager, coach and selectors.

In future the selection committee will consist of the manager (Pat Whelan), coach and one other person (yet to be named), who will operate under the control of the manager, who is responsible to the IRFU for team affairs. A reduction in the selection committee had been anticipated.

Ashton's appointment and the new selection set up were announced yesterday by Eddie Coleman, chairman of the election sub committee. The announcement was made at Dublin Airport prior to departure to Edinburgh where Ireland play Scotland in the International Championship tomorrow.

Ashton greeted the announcement by saying: "I am absolutely delighted with it. I have stated before that the selection and management of a national team is not a job for one man and I am very happy to work in the new system. Were that not the case, I would not have taken the job."

Coleman, in announcing Ashton's appointment, said: "I am delighted to confirm that Brian Ashton has been appointed national coach. The appointment will come into effect from April 1st. This, without doubt, is the most significant appointment in Irish rugby for many decades, if not ever. We believe that Brian Ashton is one of the outstanding rugby coaches in the Northern Hemisphere and his involvement with Irish rugby will be a major boost for the game in this country.

"It is no secret that other countries were very anxious to tie up Brian's enormous experience and talents, and equally I make no secret of our satisfaction at having been able to move swiftly and decisively to secure Brian for Irish rugby. I can anticipate people asking why should we embark on a six year contract at this point quite simply we have tremendous faith in Brian's ability and commitment. The IRFU recognises that we are at a critical juncture in our efforts to keep Ireland in the top level of international rugby. It is of paramount importance to rugby in this country that our national coach is on a par with the best available in the world."

Ashton will work closely with IRFU director of rugby development Ray Southam and his wider role will include an advisory input into the appointment of the Ireland A and under 21 management teams. He will also work hand in hand with the provincial coaching directors and teams.

Initally Ashton will not live in Ireland but added: "My wife is committed to a job for at least another year, but I will spend as much time in Ireland as is deemed necessary for me to do the job I have been asked to do.

"You cannot change things overnight and it may take some time for me to achieve some of my objectives. There will not be an overnight change, but if we can get the structure in place as quickly as possible obviously that will be beneficial."

Whelan, who was a central figure in brokering the deal, rejected any suggestion that Ashton's power would be diminished in a three man situation. "Brian and myself think very much along the same lines and I would not envisage any conflict whatsoever in relation to team selection."

The third man to join Ashton and Whelan could be named within the next few weeks and advisers are also likely to be asked to help.

Not surprisingly the salary Ashton will be paid was not announced. But, bearing in mind the money the contracted players received, it is not unreasonable to say that it is likely to be in the region of £60,000 per annum. There would also be other potential earnings such as win bonuses and ancillary benefits.

There was also confirmation yesterday of Ireland's tour to New Zealand in May. This is being classified as an Ireland A Development tour. The playing party will be at least 30 strong and will include current Ireland squad members as well as Development players, but obviously those chosen for the Lions tour are ruled out.

As yet the itinerary is provisional and includes one match in Western Samoa on the way back from New Zealand.