2022
Michael Bradley to Lead Coaching Line Up at UCC RFC
- Michael Bradley, former Connacht, Edinburgh and Zebre coach, has been announced as UCC RFC’s new Head Coach
- Former Irish internationals, Ken O’Connell and Paul McCarty, will join Bradley’s coaching group, along with ex-Munster fly-half Scott Deasy.
- UCC RFC will begin their AIL season against Malone on 1 October.
Michael Bradley has been appointed UCC RFC’s new Head Coach, where he will head up an all-star coaching team that includes former Irish internationals Ken O’Connell and Paul McCarty, and ex-Munster fly-half Scott Deasy.
Bradley comes to the Mardyke with a host of international experience having previously led Connacht, Edinburgh and Zebre in the Pro14, where he received the Pro-14 Coaches Coach of the Year Award at the conclusion of the 2020/21 season.
Commenting upon his appointment, Bradley spoke about his excitement about working with some of UCC’s talented young squad.
“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to work with UCC Rugby. It is exciting and challenging to work with some of the most talented young rugby players at this critical juncture in their career”.
“University College Cork and the Mardyke Arena have fully supported the UCC Rugby project”.
“Our vision is to play exciting, winning rugby and to make the Mardyke venue an excellent match-day experience for all who come to support our teams”.
Ken O’Connell joins Bradley at UCC having previously acted as Munster Rugby’s elite development officer before becoming the province’s coach development officer. O’Connell was also a member of the coaching group that led Munster to a British & Irish Cup triumph in 2012.
Paul McCarty, who was Munster’s scrum coach between 2002 and 2013, also brings an international pedigree to the Mardyke having represented both Ireland and the Barbarians.
McCarthy won his first international cap during Ireland’s tour of New Zealand in 1992, where he was selected to play alongside Bradley in both test against the All Blacks, the first of which saw Ireland narrowly lose by three points.
Later that year, McCarthy was included in the Munster team that famously beat 1991 Rugby World Cup winners Australia in Musgrave Park.
Scott Deasy joins UCC RFC’s stellar coaching group as Lansdowne's all-time top scorer in the All Ireland League, having amassed more than 600 points for the Dublin based club.
Having also represented Munster between 2009-13, winning the British & Irish Cup with the province in 2012, Deasy will be able to draw on a wealth of experience and knowledge in his role.
Morgan Buckley, Head of UCC Sport, welcomed Bradley and the coaching team to UCC.
“In this, the 150th anniversary of the founding of UCC RFC, I’m thrilled to welcome Michael to campus. Michael is a world class coach who will add to the storied history of UCC RFC”.
“I wish Michael, Scott, Ken, and Paul every success this season”.
Vivian Nathan, Chairperson of UCC RFC, is looking forward to what Bradley and the coaching group will bring to the Mardyke.
“Michael will bring an extra dimension and positivity to the club as we embark on the next chapter of our journey”.
“I would like to warmly welcome Michael to UCC Rugby and wish him the very best in the coming season”.
UCC RFC will get their AIL campaign underway in Belfast against Malone on 1 October.