Former Ireland Women's coach Philip Doyle dies aged 61

Former Ireland women’s rugby head coach Philip “Goose” Doyle has died aged 61, leaving behind one of the most influential legacies in Irish women’s rugby history.

Philip Doyle Dies Aged 61

Doyle is best remembered for guiding Ireland women to their historic Six Nations Grand Slam in 2013. That campaign ended with a tense 6-3 victory over Italy in Milan, sealing one of the defining achievements in the team’s history.

He had two spells in charge of the Ireland women’s side, first from 2003 to 2006 and again from 2010. His second tenure delivered Ireland’s most successful period on the international stage.

Ireland Women’s Rugby Grand Slam Coach

Under Doyle, Ireland became a major force in the women’s game. After winning the Grand Slam in 2013, the team went on to reach the semi-finals of the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Their campaign included a famous 17-14 pool-stage win over New Zealand’s Black Ferns in Marcoussis. Tries from Ali Miller and Heather O’Brien, along with seven points from Niamh Briggs, secured one of Irish rugby’s most memorable victories.

Philip Doyle Rugby Legacy Remembered

Doyle stepped down as Ireland head coach after the 2014 World Cup. He later worked with Leinster women and Ulster women, and agreed to coach Scotland women in 2019 before resigning during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Blackrock College RFC, where Doyle’s playing and coaching journey began, paid tribute to him as a mentor, coach and influential figure who helped shape generations of players.

“He played on numerous teams within the club before turning his hand to coaching, where he gave so generously of his time, knowledge and passion, helping shape generations of players and leaving a legacy that will live in our club forever.

“His achievements at international level were extraordinary. Goose coached the Ireland women’s national team in two separate spells, first from 2003 to 2006, and again during Ireland’s most successful period in the 2010s.

“In 2013, he guided Ireland to a historic women’s Six Nations Grand Slam, one of the great milestones in Irish rugby. A year later, at the 2014 women’s Rugby World Cup, he led Ireland to a famous victory over New Zealand’s Black Ferns, the first win by any Irish national side over New Zealand as Ireland reached the World Cup semi-finals and finished fourth".