LAHORE: The Pakistan Rugby Union (PRU) has hired former Irish international Justin Fitzpatrick as coach of the national rugby team ahead of their participation in the A5N Tournament to be held in Malaysia from May 31.

Pakistan will face India in Kuala Lumpur in the opening match of event.

Fitzpatrick, who earned 26 caps for Ireland from 1998 to 2003, took part in the 1999 World Cup.

Prior to this assignment, he was working as director at Duncannon Rugby Football Club. The 38-year-old was previously coach of the Irish women’s Scrum team.

Fitzpatrick represented Ulster, Castres Olympique and London Irish.