Philip Doyle, Grand Slam-winning Ireland Women coach, dies at 61

Philip Doyle, the former Ireland Women head coach, has died at the age of 61. He is best remembered for leading Ireland to their first Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam in 2013.

Doyle had two spells in charge of Ireland, first taking the role in 2003 and later returning in 2010. His second tenure brought landmark results, including the 2013 Grand Slam, Ireland’s first win over New Zealand’s Black Ferns, and a fourth-place finish at the 2014 World Cup before he stepped down.

His coaching career also included roles with Blackrock College women, Ulster Rugby women, and Scotland women, where he was appointed in 2019 before leaving the following year amid Covid-19-related challenges.

Blackrock College and the Irish Rugby Football Union paid tribute to Doyle’s influence on women’s rugby, highlighting both his coaching impact and his role in developing players and raising the profile of the game in Ireland.