GRENOBLE LOCK ANDREW Farley has confirmed that he will retire at the end of the season, but the 33-year-old will remain with the Top 14 club as part of the backroom staff.
The former Ireland ‘A’ lock previously spent six seasons with Connacht, thereby gaining eligibility to play for his adopted nation at the 2007 Churchill Cup. Farley joined Grenoble in 2009, helping them to promotion from the Pro D2 in 2012 and being named club captain after his early impact.
A native of Australia, the second row has decided to end his playing days, but will move into a management role at the Isère club. Also in the backroom staff at Grenoble are Bernard Jackman, who will be head coach next season, and Mike Prendergast, who moves into the position of backs coach in the summer.
On the playing side, former Clontarf man James Hart has been making waves in the Top 14 at scrum-half, while ex-Young Munster midfield back Shane O’Leary is progressing well in the academy.
Farley’s new role will involve logistical planning for the club’s senior team, organising discipline within the squad, providing a conduit between management and players, as well as helping with recruitment.