Mark Aston has been named as the new head coach of the Irish rugby league team. Aston is currently in charge of the Sheffield Eagles and will manage both roles until after the World Cup in 2013. Ireland has been drawn in a group with Australia, Fiji and the England and Aston's first objective is to assemble a squad capable of being competitive at that event. Aston will also be responsible for developing and implementing a 'Coach the Coaches' program with the 20 rugby league clubs in Ireland. Aston's development structure at the Eagles was a big factor in his appointment according to the Irish Rugby League hierarchy.

The new Ireland boss has no concerns over fitting in international duties with his responsibilities at the Eagles. He said: 'There'll be no problems combining the two jobs, I've gone into the job with my eyes wide open and I wouldn't have committed if I didn't think I could do it. I've got the support of the Sheffield Eagles' directors and I won't be in Ireland every week, it's about planning to be there at the right times.' Aston will first take charge of Ireland when they face Scotland and France in October.