Rugby News: Former Ulster captain and Ireland flanker Andy Ward was confirmed yesterday as Director of Rugby at All-Ireland League team Belfast Harlequins. He will take up the full-time post next season.
Welcoming the announcement, Harlequins chairman Ian McEvoy commented: "We are delighted to formally announce Andy's move to the club. Andy is well known throughout Ireland and around the rugby world as a man of integrity and great skill. His appointment as Director of Rugby is the beginning of what I am confident will be a new era of success."
Andy Ward's debut for Ireland was in 1998 against France and he went on get 28 caps for the national team.
Rugby chiefs are stepping up their bid to get the sport readmitted to the Olympic Games. Last an Olympic sport at the 1924 games, sevens is their secret weapon.
"The IOC are meeting in Singapore in early July," the IRB's sevens tournament manager Mark Egan said. "Their main decision is regarding the host city, but they are also debating whether to alter the programme of sports within the 2012 Olympics. Rugby is one of five sports being considered for inclusion along with golf, squash, karate and roller sports."
