Buccs unveil club stalwart Jude Lennon as new boss
Jude Lennon has been appointed as Buccaneers’ new director of rugby
BUCCANEERS RFC wish to announce the appointment of our current U-20s manager Jude Lennon as director of rugby.
This new role will include the development and implementation of a co-ordinated coaching programme throughout all sections of the club, including an 'agreed playing philosophy' throughout all teams.
He will oversee the long term player development throughout the club as well as taking responsibility for the recruitment and retention of players and coaches.
Developing and maintaining links with schools and colleges will be another priority.
Tutelage
A native of Drum, Athlone, County Roscommon, Jude is a long-serving member of the club having started under the tutelage of Derry Fitzpatrick.
He played at many levels for the then Athlone RFC, captaining their Connacht Senior Cup winning team of 1990 that also gained qualification to the inaugural All-Ireland League.
Lennon played in four Senior Cup finals and won two Connacht Senior League titles with Athlone in 1987 and '88.
Jude played for Athlone/Ballinasloe and then Buccaneers in the AIL. He captained Connacht A for two seasons and also represented the province's Junior side.
He started coaching while still playing on the club's First XV and has coached various underage and adult squads in the club.
A notable success was the Athlone club's first ever All-Ireland title, when he guided the U-18s to glory in 2001.
He later teamed up with Tony Dolan to steer Buccaneers' senior side to win the All-Ireland League Division 2 title in 2007/8 and they remained at the helm the following season.
Lennon was assistant coach to Charlie Couper for Buccaneers U-20s who reached the 2003/04 All-Ireland final.
He has coached the club's U-20s for the past two seasons when they have reached the knockout stages of the Fraser McMullen Cup.
He has also had coaching stints with Mullingar and Midland Warriors and as well as being a rugby development officer in schools and colleges for Leinster Rugby.
Jude is married to Margaret and they have two sons Bryan and Niall.
Buccaneers wish Jude every success in this challenging new full-time position.
