Change afoot as Nucifora settles into his IRFU role

IRFU performance director keeps cards close to chest as reform looms

The former Australia hooker is four months into his five-year contract with the union and this week gave his first media interviews since his unveiling back in April.

His was a notable presence on the summer tour to Argentina and, since then, his appearances in public have largely been sitting inconspicuously alongside Joe Schmidt at matches as he weighs up his surrounds.

During the intervening period, he has kept himself occupied; travelling to France to watch the Women’s World Cup – and catch up with Johnny Sexton – as well as dealing with player contracts, provinces and the various powerbrokers in the Irish game.

His first major announcement will involve the introduction of a long-overdue men’s Sevens programme, while he expects some senior players to put pen to paper in the coming weeks having brought the negotiations forward even if he isn’t rushing into following the RFU’s lead by handing Schmidt a long-term contract.

Fingerprints……. see more at :- http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/change-afoot-as-nucifora-settles-into-his-irfu-role-30668213.html