Earlier in the day we wrote about why Highlanders backs coach Tony Brown would be a good fit at Leinster but a wildcard candidate could be about to nudge ahead of the New Zealander in the queue. Comedian David O’Doherty appeared on Second Captains Live a while back and viewers were stunned to see a teenage DOD chase down Denis Hickie and maul the Ireland legend into touch in a Junior Cup game.
O’Doherty went on to win the tournament with St Michael’s College and he has implied on Twitter that the Leinster branch could be on the verge of announcing his appointment as Matt O’Connor’s replacement. Although O’Doherty has never been a head coach of a top club, Michael Cheika and Joe Schmidt didn’t have loads of experience either so
Leinster might not hold that against the comedian.
@leinsterrugby WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO ANNOUNCE THAT I'M THE NEW COACH? I KEEP NEARLY TELLING PEOPLE
— David O'Doherty (@phlaimeaux) June 8, 2015
It would certainly be a stark departure from the tradition of hiring coaches who are involved in the game but O’Doherty’s playing pedigree – as well as his underage exploits in athletics and fishing, which were also covered on Second Captains Live – would command respect in a dressing room full of experienced players.
It will be interesting to see whether Leinster CEO Mick Dawson ultimately goes for someone like Tony Brown or a home-grown candidate like O’Doherty. Hopefully he delivers his team-talks with the use of a keyboard too.
UPDATE: Leinster have replied to David O’Doherty’s ultimatum… it appears there was a breakdown in communication.
.@phlaimeaux New coach DRIVER, David. New coach driver. There's a difference… Well we've announced it now. Might as well tell everyone.
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) June 8, 2015
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