Philip Doyle, Ex-Ireland Women's Rugby Head Coach, Dies at 61

Philip Doyle, the former head coach who guided the Ireland women's rugby team to their historic first Grand Slam in 2013, has died at the age of 61. Blackrock College RFC, where Doyle had a long association as a player and coach, confirmed his passing.

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His contribution to women's rugby in Ireland, Scotland, Leinster, Ulster and here at Blackrock was immense.

The club lauded Doyle's "immense" contribution to women's rugby across Ireland, Scotland, and Leinster, noting his charisma, warmth, humility, and generosity. Doyle coached the Ireland women's team in two stints, from 2003 to 2006 and again from 2010. His second tenure saw Ireland achieve their greatest success, including the 2013 Grand Slam and a World Cup semi-final appearance in 2014.

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Few people have done more to advance the women’s game in Ireland and fewer still have done it with such charisma, warmth, humility and generosity of spirit.

That 2014 World Cup run included a landmark 17-14 victory over defending champions New Zealand, marking the first time an Ireland international side had defeated the Black Ferns. Doyle later coached Scotland's women's team from 2019 to 2020. Blackrock College RFC highlighted his pioneering role in establishing and developing women's rugby within the club, remembering him as a mentor, friend, and storyteller who deeply cared for his players.

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As a coach of countless Blackrock Women's players, Goose, with his beloved wife Nicola, played a pioneering role in the establishment, development and success of women's rugby within the club.