Ex-Ireland, Leicester and Munster scrumhalf Tom Tierney dead at 46

Former Ireland, Leicester Tigers and Munster scrumhalf Tom Tierney has passed away suddenly at the age of 46.

The IRFU and Munster Rugby expressed their sadness upon hearing the news of his sudden passing.

Tierney was a talented player who represented several teams throughout his career including Richmond, Garryowen, Munster, Leicester Tigers, Galwegians, and Connacht. He made his debut for Ireland in June 1999 and played in eight matches, including four games during the 1999 Rugby World Cup, where he scored a try in the Pool E win against Romania.

After retiring from playing, Tom moved into coaching, starting with Crescent College Comprehensive SJ, Garryowen, Cork Constitution, and the Ireland Club XV side. He joined the IRFU in 2014 and held several coaching roles, including coaching Ireland’s U19 and U20 Men’s teams, Ireland Women’s 7s, and Ireland Women’s 15s. His contributions led to a Women’s Six Nations Championship victory in 2015.

Most recently, Tom served as the IRFU National Talent Coach and worked out of Munster Rugby’s High Performance Centre since 2021. He focused on coaching Munster’s Academy players.

Close friend Frankie Sheehan wrote: “I am truly devastated to hear the news today of my great friend and teammate Tom Tierney. Fantastic player, superb character and outstanding coach… Thoughts and prayers with Mary and all the family.”

I am truly devastated to hear the news today of my great friend and teammate Tom Tierney . Fantastic player, superb character and outstanding coach …. Thoughts and prayers with Mary and all the family …@Munsterrugby @IrishRugby @connachtrugby @LeicesterTigers pic.twitter.com/wHiDxKl92H

— Frankie Sheahan (@FrankieSheahan) February 24, 2023

“Everyone in Irish Rugby is deeply shocked to hear of the sudden loss of Tom Tierney,” said IRFU Chief Executive Kevin Potts. “Our immediate thoughts are with his wife Mary and daughters Isabel and Julia, as well as his many friends, colleagues and former team-mates.

“Tom was an outstanding scrum-half and his time in the Ireland jersey will always be an immense source of pride for his family and the clubs that supported him on his journey. He also amassed an impressive CV as a coach and we were honoured to have him as a colleague in the IRFU from 2014 to present.

“He will be sorely missed.”