Ken Rutherford talks about his new role as Ireland's national coach

For new Irish national coach, Ken Rutherford, his new role means much more to him than the chance of short-term gratification in guiding Ireland to the 2003 World Cup.

"If the Irish position was simply coaching I wouldn't be interested. I wanted a broader role behind the scenes," Rutherford revealed this week.

"That's what appealed to me - the opportunity to help Irish cricket with good structure."

"I was attracted by cricket at the admin point of view. I'm not a great one for standing in the nets and telling a guy how to bat," Rutherford added.

Rutherford said the appointment enables him to move into the next phase of his career.

"From a personal perspective, I am coming to the end of my playing days and it gives me a good opportunity to see if I have what it takes to coach. I am not sure if I have."

The former New Zealand player will juggle his roles with the Irish Cricket Union and South African provincial union, Gauteng. "I am involved with Gauteng for a minimum of two more years and then I will see what happens," Rutherford said. He is contracted to the ICU until September 2001, which takes him until the end of next year's Irish season.

Rutherford said it was a bonus that he had no first hand knowledge of Irish players.

"If anything that's a positive. It may take a few months to learn about the players but there will be no preconceptions. The very basis of my knowledge will be what I see myself."

It will be somewhat ironical if Rutherford is successful in guiding Ireland to the 2003 World Cup. The man in charge of organising the tournament is Dr. Ali Bacher, the man who urged the 35 year-old to apply for the position.

"Dr. Bacher is in charge of development in the newer countries and he is in a pretty good position to advise. He told me how progressive they (the ICU) are."

He said he was looking forward to life in Ireland.

"Ireland appealed to me as a beautiful place - a very appealing place to live."

Rutherford played 56 Tests and 121 one day internationals for New Zealand.