WARRINGTON WOLVES boss Sam Burgess has thrown his hat into the ring to become head coach of the Ireland national team in future.
Currently, Ged Corcoran is head coach of the Wolfhounds, having been appointed in 2022.
Corcoran led Ireland into that year’s World Cup, in which they were eliminated in the group stage, but they were not able to qualify for this autumn’s tournament, after losing International Rugby League full member status two years ago.
The sport will receive a publicity boost in Ireland next April when Burgess’ Warrington play Wigan Warriors at Dublin’s 20,000-seater Laya Arena, which will also host a fixture between St Helens and Hull FC.
The Wolves could take a hefty contingent of players with Irish heritage, including Liam Byrne, James Bentley and Ben Currie who have all previously played for the Wolfhounds.
Josh Thewlis, whose brother Jake is also eligible, has represented Ireland at youth level, as has fellow academy graduate Tommy Rhodes.
Toby King and Joe Philbin, who are joining London Broncos next season, have also worn green at senior level.
Burgess says he has previously had conversations with his squad about the future possibility of taking on a role with Ireland.
“We’ve talked about this with the players because we’ve got a lot that qualify for Ireland,” Burgess said.
“They were disappointed that they won’t be involved in the World Cup at the end of the year.
“But they asked me if I would coach Ireland, if we could get a team together, and I said that I certainly would.
“I love what the country stands for, I like the Irish heritage as well as the passion and tradition.
“It deserves recognition. They connect with their culture so there’s an opportunity there certainly.”