Former Ireland internationals Albert van der Merwe and Ed Joyce have taken up roles with Cricket Ireland to help guide the next generation of talent from the region.
Van der Merwe, 39, was on Thursday, 11 April, named as the new national talent pathway manager and coach, overseeing the Ireland Talent Pathway Programme. The South Africa-born off-spinning all-rounder played only nine one-day internationals for Ireland, but enjoyed a strong club career and coached Leinster to five titles. He is set to continue as their coach until a replacement is found.
Joyce, a veteran of 255 first-class games where he averages 47.95, has been brought on as a batting consultant focussing on youth and Academy talent and the senior women’s team.
Meanwhile, Ryan Eagleson will expand his current academy coaching duties to oversee talent pathway coaching across Northern Ireland, along with supporting the pace bowling program, Cricket Ireland said. They will all report to Pete Johnston, Cricket Ireland academy and performance manager.
“Aside from his provincial head coach responsibility, Albie has been working as a specialist coach within our Academy and Emerging Players Programme for several years now,” Johnston said. “He’s well respected and has already formed great relationships with many players and coaches, and comes into the new role with an existing knowledge of our pathway system, as well as being aware of the challenges we face.”
“The role is at the heart of developing future international players for the international teams, something that I’m very excited to be a part of,” van der Merwe said. “I’m hoping to build on the great work that has been done by so many to get Irish cricket firmly on the world stage and I hope to help with the continuous progression of the game across the island.”
