NZRU sanction's Paddy O'Brien's move away

The New Zealand Rugby Union has given its blessing for Paddy O'Brien to leave our shores and take up a post with the IRB.

New Zealand's top whistle-blower has been appointed as the new IRB referees' manager, starting in Dublin in August.

O'Brien had already accepted a similar role with the NZRU earlier this year.

However he said the NZRU have backed his choice.

Paddy O'Brien said he has always been up front with the NZRU and he is sure their support has been instrumental in securing him the job.

Meanwhile, O'Brien will not referee any matches in the upcoming Lions series.

He said his Achilles injury is coming right, but he would be slightly unprepared with the focus on packing up and moving to Dublin instead.

However he will be the video ref for provincial games and the substitutes controller in the tests.

- Newstalk ZB