Mike Ford is to step down as Irish defensive coach and take up a full-time role with Saracens next season. It had been widely suggested Ford was seeking to get out of his present IRFU contract, up to the 2007 World Cup, in order to join the Steve Diamond coaching ticket after playing a part-time role with the club this season.

In a statement released by the IRFU, Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan said: "Since joining the Irish squad, Mike has been an asset to the team. He has been thoroughly professional in his coaching and has contributed enormously to the recent success of the Irish team, in which its defensive record has continually improved throughout his tenure. I wish him the very best in his new position,"

In 2002, O'Sullivan fought to ensure Ireland followed the English route and employ a defensive coach on a full-time basis. After an initial bedding-in period that saw Ireland exposed defensively against France and England in the Six Nations, the expertise Ford brought to the set-up became unmistakeable.

He will continue to juggle both roles until after the November internationals against New Zealand, Australia and Romania by which time the IRFU hope to announce a suitable replacement.

The high respect in which Ford is held in the Northern Hemisphere is best exemplified by Clive Woodward naming him as defensive coach to the Lions, alongside his rugby league mentor Phil Larder.