Leicester prop to swap chasing Premiership glory for a grassroots coaching job in Ireland
Leicester prop James Cronin is heading home to Ireland
Former Ireland international James Cronin will swap chasing Premiership glory with Leicester for a player/coach role next season in the second tier of Irish grassroots rugby.
The 34-year-old, who was capped at Test level by Joe Schmidt, joined Tigers in the summer of 2022 following a season in the Top 14 with Biarritz.
Signed as a replacement for Ellis Genge, who joined Bristol after winning the 2021/22 league title with Leicester, Cronin made 16 and 18 appearances respectively in his initial two seasons at Welford Road, starting on 27 occasions. Starts at loosehead, though, have been rare this term under Michael Cheika – just three in 13 appearances.
Moving on
Cronin’s most recent run came off the bench in the May 9 home loss to Sale and although Cheika, his Australian boss, won’t be in charge next season, the Irish forward won’t be staying on under Geoff Parling.
He will instead head back to his native Cork to become head coach at Highfield, the Division 1B club where he won an All-Ireland U18 medal before embarking on a pro career with Munster.
“I am absolutely delighted to take on the role of head coach at Highfield RFC. I am looking forward to working with the team to progress the club forward,” said Cronin in a statement which confirmed he will also register as a player.
The appointment of the ex-Ireland prop is the latest high-profile coaching recruitment in the Irish club league. Terenure College, the 2023 Division 1A champions, recently unveiled Carlos Spencer, the ex-All Blacks fly-half, as their new coach on a three-year deal.
