James Blaney (born 21 February 1974) is an Irish former rugby union player and current coach.

James Blaney
Date of birth (1974-02-21) 21 February 1974 (age 50)
Place of birthDublin, Ireland
Height1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Weight89 kg (14.0 st; 196 lb)
Notable relative(s)Brian Blaney (brother)
David Blaney (brother)[1]
Rugby union career
Position(s) Hooker
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
Terenure College ()
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1994–2000
2000–2005
Leinster
Munster

25

(10)
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
Ireland A
Coaching career
Years Team
2006–2012
2012–2019
2019–
Terenure College (Forwards Coach)
Terenure College (Head Coach)
Blackrock College (Head Coach)

Career edit

Blaney began his playing career with native province Leinster in 1994, before joining their rivals Munster ahead of the 2000–01 season and spending five seasons with the southern province, during which time they reached the Heineken Cup final in 2002, won the Celtic League in 2002–03 and the Celtic Cup in 2004–05. Blaney also represented Ireland A during his career, the team one level below the senior national team.[2]

Having played for Terenure College in the amateur All-Ireland League, Blaney transitioned into coaching in 2006, first as a player-coach and then as an assistant coach with Terenure.[2][1] He was appointed the club's new head coach in 2012,[3] a position he held until leaving the club 2019 after he was appointed as the new head coach of Blackrock College ahead of the 2019–20 All-Ireland League season.[4]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Famous faces on a touchline near you JAMES BLANEY (TERENURE COLLEGE)". Irish Independent. 18 February 2012. Retrieved 12 July 2019.
  2. ^ a b "Blaney 'Excited For New Challenge' As Blackrock Head Coach". Irish Rugby. 17 April 2019. Retrieved 12 July 2019.
  3. ^ "Blaney Appointed As Terenure's Head Coach". Irish Rugby. 26 April 2012. Retrieved 12 July 2019.
  4. ^ "James Blaney Appointed as New Blackrock College RFC Head Coach". Blackrock College RFC. 17 April 2019. Retrieved 12 July 2019.

External links edit