Danaher will begin his new role next month, continuing his journey as a coach following his success as a player.
The 44-year-old made 275 appearances for London Irish and was also captain of the team. Danaher represented Ireland at Under-19 level with the Irish Exiles, while also representing England at Under-21 level and the England A-League.
He was the longest-serving player on the London Ireland national team during his professional career, and after retiring he began a career as a coach.
Danaher, whose mother is from Limerick and father from Kerry, began his coaching career in the academy and was involved in the development of first-team academy players before being promoted to defense coach and taking up the role of assistant coach under Declan. Served. Kidney of the London Irish era.
“I am proud to join the IRFU as defense coach for the Six Nations women’s team,” Danaher said.
“I am very proud of my Irish heritage and am excited to be working with this team.
“I have seen how the system has developed over the years and it is an exciting time for the game in Ireland and I am really looking forward to being a part of it. We look forward to working with the players and coaches as we continue to strengthen for this year’s Six Nations. ”
Greg Hollins will also join the women’s team for the Six Nations campaign as Athletic Performance Coach, working alongside Head of Athletic Performance Ed Slattery.
Meanwhile, the IRFU also announced that Niamh Briggs has been appointed head coach of the Ireland Under-20 Women’s National Team.
Briggs, a former Ireland national team captain, will lead the Under-20s for the Summer Series in July this year.
She won 62 caps for Ireland and was an integral part of two Six Nations title-winning teams, one as captain and one season as assistant backs coach with the Irish women’s senior team. Briggs brings a wealth of experience.
Briggs will be joined by assistants JP Walsh and Murray Houston. Mr Walsh is currently Head of Coach Development at Connacht Rugby and Mr Houston is Head of Women’s and Women’s Pathways at Ulster.
Commenting on his new role, the former Ireland full-back and out-half said:
“I am delighted to take on the role of Head Coach of the U20 team. I have gained valuable coaching experience through my work with the Ireland Women’s team last season and through my role as Munster National Women’s Talent Coach.
“I’m excited to work with JP, Murray and the rest of the management team and get to work working with the players for this summer’s series.
“It’s going to be a busy and exciting few months and a great opportunity for young women to realize their dreams of playing on the green.”