Stephen Rice is a member of Stephen Kenny’s Backroom Team in the Republic of Ireland.
The former Shamrock Rovers midfielder replaces Ruaidhrí Higgins as opponent analyst / head scout. Higgins left the position in April to fill the leadership position at Derry City.
Rice recently left the role of U23 development coach at Crystal Palace in the English Premier League.
He is no stranger to the Irish squad as he was part of the coaching staff at the summer friendlies against Andorra and Hungary.
“It is a great honor for me and my family to join the Irish senior coaching staff,” said Rice.
“The opportunity to work with and learn from Stephen Kenny on an international level is a real privilege and I can’t wait to get started.
May 31, 2021; Daryl Horgan, right, Ryan Manning, left, and trainer Stephen Rice during a Republic of Ireland training session at PGA Catalunya Resort in Girona, Spain. Photo by Stephen McCarthy / Sportsfile
“It’s an exciting time to be part of the team and after experiencing the fantastic atmosphere within the squad at the last camp, I’m really looking forward to the upcoming games.”
Rice’s formal appointment comes as the club season resumes across Europe.
Ireland will continue their World Cup qualification on September 1 with a game against Portugal in Faro.
In the following week, both Azerbaijan and Serbia will visit the Aviva Stadium.
“Stephen was part of the team for the games against Andorra and Hungary and we are delighted that he has taken on a full-time position on the team,” said Kenny.
“He has an impressive ability to analyze teams and players and will be an important addition to the coaching staff ahead of the September games.”
Rice joined Crystal Palace in 2020 after previously working as a development officer at FAI from 2010. He holds both a UEFA Pro license and a UEFA Certificate in Football Management.
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