Tania Rosser to leave Leinster Rugby after securing back-to-back Inter-Pro titles
"It’s fair to say that her legacy has been further enhanced by her accomplishments over the last three seasons," says Leinster CEO Shane Nolan
Women’s Head Coach, Tania Rosser, has stepped down from her role at Leinster Rugby.
In her first year at the helm, Rosser’s Leinster side came up short against the then-reigning champions, Munster Rugby, but the side has since gone on to win back-to-back titles.
As is the process for all domestic coaching appointments, Rosser’s three-year term came to an end up in Belfast with her team winning the Vodafone Interprovincial Women’s title and the process to find a replacement will commence in the coming months.
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Leinster CEO Shane Nolan said, "One of my first tasks as CEO of Leinster Rugby was to reach out to Tania to see how we could align even more with what she and her coaching team wanted to achieve.
"My first impression was of a passionate and highly dedicated coach and that has only been enhanced over the last two years as I got to know her more and saw her deliver two Interpro titles and wrestle control back from our rivals down south.
"Tania’s legacy in Leinster Rugby was already well established as a player. To then be appointed Leinster’s first ever female Head Coach and to lead the team to two titles, it’s fair to say that her legacy has been further enhanced by her accomplishments over the last three seasons.
"A coach rooted in our communities and who understood intrinsically what Leinster was about and who consistently pursued excellence, she will be missed by all those that had the pleasure of working with her and we are very grateful to Tania."
Nolan also gave an overview of what the road forward looked like for the women’s game.
"The future of the women’s game in Irish Rugby and in Leinster is very bright and the next stage for the game is going to be very different to anything that has gone before.
"I am excited to be heading into that next stage, which will see the Leinster Women’s team, transition from the domestic arm of the organisation to the professional arm. That is the stated aim of Leinster Rugby and indeed of the IRFU, and it is one that I am keen to champion.
"While there is a lot of detail to work out and this transition won't happen overnight, the direction of travel is clear and that is what excites me most.
"The next Head Coach of the women’s team will come from within the domestic game, however we are also examining what the selection process beyond that looks like. That process will take into consideration all the many factors involved as we move towards professionalism for our senior women's team."
Phil Lawlor, the Head of Rugby Development in Leinster Rugby also reflected on Rosser’s time as Head Coach.
"Tania has, without a doubt, left her mark on Leinster Rugby, first of all as a player and now as a coach of the highest quality. To have backed up success as a Leinster player, with two titles as a Head Coach is a credit to her.
"On her watch she gave opportunities to that next generation of young players who have been lighting it up in our age grade teams, in the BearingPoint Sarah Robinson Cup or in the Energia AIL.
"Tania also gave valuable experience to development players in and around the wider squad. She didn’t just work on the squad that she had immediately in front of her. She always had an eye to the future. That experience will benefit those players and indeed Leinster and Irish rugby for years to come.
"I know she'd be the first to also acknowledge the coaching and back-room team around her during the three seasons, and I'd like to echo those sentiments, in particular John and Billy.
"I'd like to thank Tania for all her efforts and wish her well with her future endeavours."
Lawlor also acknowledged the efforts of the other departing age grade coaches and backroom teams.
"It’s been a very fruitful few years across all our age grade sides, and I mean that in terms of player development.
"While the trophies and titles won are great moments and memories to look back on, for Leinster as an organisation, we look at the players that remain playing in their local clubs, and in the men and women’s Energia AIL, and of course, in some cases, that make their way to the Leinster Rugby Academy and the senior men’s or women’s teams. Their development along our pathway is crucial.
"I’d like to thank Brett Igoe and Damien McCabe, and their coaching teams, for their significant contribution."
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