Bradley to coach on downunder tour

Michael Bradley will lead Ireland to the southern hemisphere this summer as head coach.

The Connacht rugby director and former Ireland halfback has been placed in interim charge.

Declan Kidney was this week appointed as Ireland boss in succession to Eddie O'Sullivan, who resigned following a dismal RBS 6 Nations campaign.

But Kidney, who has guided Munster into its second Heineken Cup final in three seasons, will not take up his post until the summer.

Ireland A coach Bradley was the firm favourite to oversee Tests against New Zealand in Wellington on June 7 and Australia in Melbourne seven days later.

He will also take charge for Ireland's appointment with the Barbarians in Gloucester on May 27.

Bradley additionally has responsibility for the backs over those three games, assisted by Niall O'Donovan (forwards) and Graham Steadman (defence).

Joey Miles will be tour manager, a role he has filled for the Ireland A side and also the senior team during their trip to Japan in 2005.

Squads for the Barbarians fixture, summer tour and next month's Barclays Churchill Cup will be announced on Friday (UK time).