
Munster Rugby continue major shake-up as another Kiwi joins Clayton McMillan in being appointed to key role
He will join the province next month subject to being granted a valid work permit.
Advertisement
He will be taking over from Niall O'Donovan having previously worked with
Vercoe is the current Team Manager and Head of Teams at Super Rugby side Gallagher Chiefs and Team Manager for the All Blacks XV.
He has been an experienced team manager in a number of environments over the past 12 years.
The New Zealander was manager of the Kiwi Under-20s side from 2016 to 2021, winning the Under-20s World Cup in 2017 with a 64-17 win against England in the final.
Advertisement
Read more on Irish Sport
His U-20s team consisted of now senior internationals such as Tupou Vaa'i, Caleb Clarke and Will Jordan.
He also managed New Zealand National Provincial Championship side Tasman Makos from 2013 to 2020, taking them to three finals in his first five years before winning back to back titles in his last two seasons with the club.
Vercoe was also a Personal Development Manager and Commercial Manager at Tasman Rugby, and Head of Faculty at Marlborough Boys' College in New Zealand prior to his management career.
He will have big boots to fill as he steps into the void left by the beloved Niall O'Donovan who has been working with the province for 28 years.
Advertisement
Most read in Rugby Union
Along with his 28 years as a coach and manager with Munster and Irish Rugby, he also represented the province as a player in the 1980s.
O'Donovan joined Munster Rugby in 1997 as an assistant coach and reached two European Cup finals during his tenure in 2000 and 2002.
'Jack Crowley he's coming for you' jokes Peter O'Mahony's wife Jess as son practices his rugby skills
He left the province to become Ireland's forward's coach in 2002 but returned in 2010 as Munster A Team Manager.
The Shannon man coached the likes of Peter O'Mahony, Dave Kilcoyne, John Ryan and Stephen Archer in his time with the Munster A, winning the British and Irish Cup in 2012.
Advertisement
Following the cup win, 'Niallo' moved into the team manager role he is now leaving.
He has overseen defining moments such as the move to a single training base in the High Performance Centre in UL in 2016, and enjoying the province's first trophy success in 12 years when winning the URC title in 2023.
1
The 68-year-old had an impressive cricket career before moving into rugby
Credit: munsterrugby.ie
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Jack Draper gives worrying update on future Wimbledon prospects as he admits he can't play on grass
HURTING Jack Draper admitted he cannot play on grass and this Wimbledon exit exposed 'many holes' in his game. And though he denied he buckled under the weight of a nation, he praised legendary Andy Murray for how he managed to win the Championship twice in front of home fans. 3 Jack Draper was left hurting and frustrated by his early Wimbledon exit to Marin Cilic Credit: Getty 3 The British No1 admitted he struggles to play his best tennis on grass Credit: Getty The 'I thought Cilic played an incredible match from start to finish. Didn't let up. He deserved the win. But it hurts a lot. 'It's highlighted to me this year that I really struggled on the grass in all honesty. READ MORE ON WIMBLEDON 'I felt great on the hard and clay. There weren't many holes in my game – whereas as soon as I came onto the grass, I felt a big difference. 'It's just something I've got to keep in mind, how I'm going to develop my game for the long-term for next year. Just to get better as a player. 'For sure, it highlighted a lot of weaknesses in my game. 'I mean it makes me think that Most read in Tennis CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 'It's not the pressure. I just didn't play good enough. I lost to a better player. 'I just wasn't able to find the level I wanted. I came up short. Celebrities arrive for day 4 of Wimbledon - including Sir Cliff Richard 'The hole in my forehand showed up. I wasn't able to deal with his pace of ball into my forehand. I was over-spinning a lot. 'I've still got a lot of areas that I need to improve in my game. 'There's a bit of a misconception, just because I'm a 6ft 4ins lefty, I must be incredible on grass. I haven't had loads of experience on it.' Former US Open champion and 2017 Wimbledon runner-up Cilic, 36, said: 'The emotions are just incredible. "Where I was two years ago, I cannot even describe. It's been a long journey. 'I never lost any doubt. It was long and testing. It's incredible to win this. Thanks to the crowd for great sportsmanship.' 3 Wimbledon 2025 LIVE -


Irish Examiner
7 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
'We used to joke he was really Irish' - Andy Robertson pays emotional tribute to Diogo Jota
Andy Robertson pays an emotional tribute to his team mate Diogo Jota following the death of his Liverpool team-mate aged 28. The Liverpool forward died following a car crash in Spain, along with his younger brother Andre Silva, who was also a professional footballer and played for Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel. Jota helped Liverpool to win the Premier League title last season and was part of the Portugal side, along with Ronaldo, that lifted the Nations League last month, and he got married less than a fortnight ago. Taking to social media Robertson said "The ones I'm thinking about most right now are the family. Their loss is too much to bear. I'm so sorry that they have lost two such precious souls - Diogo and Andre." The Scottish defender went on to talk about the person and friend Jota was saying the used to joke that "he was really Irish". "He was the most British foreign player I've ever met. We used to joke he was really Irish... I'd try to claim him as Scottish, obviously. I even called him Diogo MacJota." Robertson went on to say "The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life - his wedding day. I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from the magical day. How much he was bursting with love for his wife and family. "I can't believe we're saying goodbye. It's too soon, and it hurts so much. "But thank you for being in my life, mate - and for making it better. "Love you, Diogo." Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo said "it doesn't make sense" following the death Diogo. Ronaldo said in a post on X alongside a photo of Jota: "It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had got married. "To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you." Não faz sentido. Ainda agora estávamos juntos na Seleção, ainda agora tinhas casado. À tua familia, à tua mulher e aos teus filhos, envio os meus sentimentos e desejo-lhes toda a força do mundo. Sei que estarás sempre com eles. Descansem em Paz, Diogo e André. Vamos todos sentir… — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2025 Former Liverpool star and manager Sir Kenny Dalglish wrote on X: "Football is not important at this sad time. You feel helpless, knowing there's so little we can do to ease the pain for his wife of just two weeks, his three beautiful children. "Thinking and praying for all their loved ones after the devastating loss of both Diogo and Andre. YNWA." Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher also paid tribute to Jota, saying on Sky Sports News: "Just in a state of shock. Not with anyone associated to Liverpool but football in general. It is one of the few times when the football family all come together. "I just cannot believe it. For everybody involved but especially his family - his wife and the children they've got, it's devastating for all involved. "I can only imagine how his team-mates feel at Liverpool and Portugal, they must be in a world of pain with his friends and family. "It just shows us all how quickly life can change. What a summer he's had, and you get this devastating news that his family have had in the last few hours, you can't even comprehend it." Jota's international team-mate Bruno Fernandes posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram story. The Manchester United skipper wrote: "Friend, colleague and companion of a thousand battles. It's hard to understand how can someone leave so soon. "May you and your brother find the peace you need to watch over your loved ones who lost you too soon and suddenly. My condolences to all your family." Raul Jimenez and Ruben Neves also took to their Instagram stories following the announcement of their former Wolves colleague's death. Mexico striker Jimenez, now at Fulham, said: "It's hard to receive this kind of news, and I still can't believe it. "An excellent colleague, friend, and above all, a great father. Thanks for everything, my friend. We'll always remember you." Jota's Portuguese compatriot Neves said: "They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget them." Jota's former clubs Porto and Atletico Madrid also took to social media. Porto said on X they were in "mourning" in a statement, while Atletico added they were "shocked by the tragic news". Sports agency Gestifute, which represented the Liverpool player, paid tribute to "a rare player and an exceptional professional, but he was much more than that. He was an exemplary son, a devoted husband, and a fervent and devoted father. And those who knew him closely also know that he was a unique friend and an extraordinary human being." Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville wrote on X: "That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family." NBA great and well-known Liverpool supporter LeBron James posted on X: "My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA (You'll Never Walk Alone) JOTA!!" Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot, who shared a dressing room with Jota on international duty with Portugal, said on his Instagram story: " strength to the family." Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice described the deaths as "heartbreaking" on his Instagram story and added: "RIP to Diogo and his brother Andre. Sending love and condolences to his family." England's Women's team, currently on Euro 2025 finals duty in Switzerland along with their Portuguese counterparts, posted on X: "We are devastated at the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. It is truly difficult to comprehend. "The Lionesses send our heartfelt condolences to Diogo's family and friends and all the players, staff and fans connected to Liverpool FC, his former clubs and the Portugal national teams. "We stand beside the Portuguese team here in Switzerland and the whole football family in honouring Diogo and Andre's memory." UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: "His passion, energy and spirit on the field inspired everyone around him. It is devastating to think that a life so full of joy and potential has been taken far too soon. Rest in peace, dear Diogo. You will not be forgotten." On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected… — UEFA (@UEFA) July 3, 2025 FIFA president Gianni Infantino posted on the governing body's official X account: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. "On behalf of FIFA and the wider football family, my thoughts are with their family and friends, as well as everyone at Liverpool FC, FC Penafiel and the Portuguese Football Federation. May they rest in peace." The Football Association too said they were "devastated" to learn of the two deaths and added in a tribute: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Diogo's family, friends and team-mates at Liverpool and Portugal." A moment of silence was held before Portugal's opening Women's Euro 2025 game against Spain in Bern. Players wore black armbands, while some fans had made signs in tribute to Jota. UEFA had earlier announced there would also be the same tribute observed at group matches on Friday.


The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘I called him MacJota' – Liverpool's Andy Robertson pays heartfelt tribute to ‘most British foreign player' Diogo Jota
ANDY ROBERTSON has added his heartfelt tribute to the chorus of well wishes and mourning following the tragic death of Diogo Jota. when a tyre suddenly burst and sent the car veering off the road before catching fire. Advertisement 3 Andy Robertson has paid tribute to his buddy Diogo Jota Credit: Getty 3 Jota was killed in a tragic car crash alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva Credit: Reuters The Only 10 days earlier, news has also left three children without their father. Tributes for the late Team-mates past and present also sent their condolences to Jota 's family and paid heartfelt tributes to Jota and Silva. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL And now Scotland international and team-mate of five years, In a statement released on his Instagram page, the 31-year-old said: "The ones I'm thinking about most right now are the family. Their loss is too much to bear. I'm so sorry that they have lost two such precious souls – Diogo and Andre. "For the team and the Club, we'll try to cope with this together… however long that takes. For me, I want to talk about my mate. My buddy. The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy." The defender described his buddy as a "good guy" who was "normal and real", adding that he was "full of fun". Advertisement Most read in Football Robertson continued by explaining what they would do when hanging out together, including watching darts, going to horse racing and giving him the nickname "MacJota". He continued: "He was the most British foreign player I've ever met. We used to joke he was really Irish… I'd try to claim him as Scottish, obviously. I even called him Diogo MacJota. Portugal manager in tears as fans hold up Diogo Jota pictures during Women's Euro minute's silence for Liverpool "We'd watch the darts together, enjoy the horse racing. Going to Cheltenham this season was a highlight - one of the best we had." Robertson's statement opens up on the last time he saw his mate, his wedding day, where he had a "never-creasing smile". Advertisement He concluded: "The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life – his wedding day. "I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from that magical day. How much he was bursting with love for his wife and family. I can't believe we're saying goodbye. It's too soon, and it hurts so much. But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better. Love you, Diogo." Andy Robertson Diogo Jota tribute in full The ones I'm thinking about most right now are the family. Their loss is too much to bear. I'm so sorry that they have lost two such precious souls – Diogo and Andre. For the team and the Club, we'll try to cope with this together… however long that takes. For me, I want to talk about my mate. My buddy. The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy. I could talk about him as a player for hours, but none of that feels like it matters right now. It's the man. The person. He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real. Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun. He was the most British foreign player I've ever met. We used to joke he was really Irish… I'd try to claim him as Scottish, obviously. I even called him Diogo MacJota. We'd watch the darts together, enjoy the horse racing. Going to Cheltenham this season was a highlight - one of the best we had. The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life – his wedding day. I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from that magical day. How much he was bursting with love for his wife and family. I can't believe we're saying goodbye. It's too soon, and it hurts so much. But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better. Love you, Diogo. 3 Advertisement