Irish rugby coach DECLAN KIDNEY "paid the price for Ireland's poor showing in the RBS 6 Nations" after the Irish Rugby Football Union announced it "would not renew the former Munster man's contract and had relieved of him of his role." Kidney's future "had been the subject of much speculation" after shock defeats against Scotland and Italy contributed to Ireland's fifth-place finish and its lowest ever world ranking of ninth (HERALD SCOTLAND, 4/2). New Zealander JOE SCHMIDT "is being tipped as a replacement" for Kidney. Schmidt "has coached Irish side Leinster to consecutive Heineken Cup titles and has one more year on his contract at the club." He recently distanced himself from the Irish top job after signing a one-year extension at Leinster (NEW ZEALAND HERALD, 4/3). ... Second Bundesliga 1860 Munich President HEP MONATZEDER "has appointed" former goaltender coach CHRISTIAN HOLZER and tax accountant HEINZ SCHMIDT as his VPs. The 36-year-old Holzer "will be in charge of 1860's sports division" while Schmidt, 52, "will take care of the club's finances" (ABENDZEITUNG, 4/3). ... Swiss National League A club HC Lugano "has fired head coach" LARRY HURAS. The Canadian native joined the club in Oct. '11. Lugano "has not commented on a successor for Huras" (NEUE ZÜRCHER ZEITUNG, 4/3).
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