MARCUS Horan has been replaced at Shannon RFC’s head coach with immediate effect. The former Munster and Ireland international, who has been head coach at Limerick’s famous club for the last two seasons, is to be replaced by Tom Hayes, brother of John and the former Exeter Chiefs captain.
Confirmed in a statement issued by the club, the decision to replace Horan comes as Shannon are currently bottom of Division 1B, the country’s second tier of Senior Rugby.
“Following a mid-term review by the Rugby Committee at Shannon RFC, it was decided that Tom Hayes would assume the role of head coach with immediate effect. The club wishes to thank both of our outgoing coaches, Marcus Horan and Ian Sherwin, for their huge contribution to Shannon RFC and wish them every success in the future. The club will be making no further comment regarding this issue,” the statement read, with former full back David O’Donovan expected to be added to Tom Hayes’ backroom team in the coming days.
Horan, who had won four All Ireland league titles with Shannon, as well as four Munster Senior Cups, had previous coaching experience at UL Bohemian RFC and with the Munster Under 19s. Backs coach Ian Sherwin, who had also held the head coaching role, was formerly with Munster Rugby in an academy role.
Tom Hayes’ first game in charge will be against Galwegians on January 28 at Thomond Park, Shannon lost 53-12 to the Tribesmen in the last round of fixtures on December 3.
