Bob Casey joins London Irish board as operations director

Bob Casey won seven caps for Ireland

Former London Irish captain Bob Casey will join the Premiership club's board after being named as the Exiles' new operations director.

Casey made more than 200 appearances for Irish over 10 years before retiring in 2012, and returned as rugby development director in July 2014.

The 36-year-old will be responsible for rugby and commercial matters.

Brian Smith left his role as director of rugby last week, with Tom Coventry starting as head coach next season.

The Exiles are 11th in the Premiership after a disappointing season but, with their top-flight status all but assured, the club have begun a restructuring process.

A consortium of Irish businesses took over as the club's new owners in December 2013.

"We are delighted to have persuaded Bob to take on this important new role," said London Irish president Mick Crossan.

"He is very passionate about London Irish and wants to help guide it to success in the upper echelons of rugby both in this country and in Europe. His experience of professional rugby, both on and off the pitch, will be a valuable addition to the expertise on our board of directors."

Casey added: "It was the vision and commitment of the new owners that persuaded me that I should re-join the club in an executive capacity.

"Their passion, combined with the loyalty of our exceptional supporters, helped to convince me that I had a role to play in moving this great club forward to the next stage of its development."