Noel McNamara 2005-2016 🏉

Noel McNamara once advised students at Clongowes Wood College to “make your obsession your profession”. It’s fair to say that he’s lived that philosophy, leaving a permanent, pensionable position as a teacher to adopt, full-time, a different vocation as a professional rugby coach.The Clare native has taken to a road less travelled, to North Harbour in New Zealand, the Sharks in Durban and, since the summer, a new role as attack coach with Bordeaux-Begles in the French Top 14; one that has made all the difference.In Ireland McNamara helped develop players in a previous life as head coach with several national squads, including the 2019 Under-20 Grand Slam winners.

Former Toulouse and French international hooker Yannick Bru spent last season as breakdown coach at the Sharks but was then offered the head coach job at Bordeaux. He persuaded McNamara and forwards coach Akvsenti Giorgadze to swap Durban for the west coast of France.

The opportunity to come a little closer to home was a big driver in the decision. I could have stayed with the Sharks for another two years but ultimately the challenges of travel were pretty significant. It [the offer] aligned [with a decision to move back closer to home]. I have always been intrigued by the French way.”

Courtesy Irish Times) Noel was teaching and coaching in Clongowes from 2005-2016