The International Rugby Board has announced the appointment of Morgan Buckley as its Development General Manager.

Buckley has spent the past 10 years as Managing Director of Atlantic Sports Management where he has worked with a variety of sports on over 150 projects.

Buckley played a key role in facilitating the development of the current IRB Strategic Plan and has most recently been providing consultancy advice to the Unin Argentina de Rugby (UAR) regarding Argentina's inclusion in an expanded Tri Nations.

He has also worked closely with Unions such as USA Rugby and Rugby Canada providing consultancy advice in the areas of Governance, Strategic Planning, Organisational Development and Women's Rugby development.

Originally a physiotherapy graduate from Trinity College Dublin, Buckley holds a Masters Degree in Sports Administration and has lived and worked in Ireland, UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand.

"We are delighted to welcome someone of Morgan's experience and skills to the IRB as part of our Development and Performance team," said IRB Chief Executive Mike Miller.

"The IRB is entering a very exciting time for the global development of the Game, including a significant growth in Women's Rugby and Rugby Sevens as an Olympic sport. The opportunities we face are significant and the experience that Morgan will bring to the IRB Development role will be a tremendous asset to the organisation and to the sport of Rugby."