University College Dublin (UCD) yesterday declined to comment on whether Allied Irish Banks (AIB) had agreed to sponsor former Tipperary hurler Nicky English as their new director of sport for a two-year term.

Media reports yesterday said that English was to leave his position as an investment manager in AIB's office in Percy Place, Dublin, to fill the post left by Dr Tony O'Neill, who died in October. One report specifically stated that the AIB was to sponsor English as director of sport for two years.

The university declined to comment on whether Dr O'Neil's former position was advertised or whether it was normal practice for jobs in the university to be advertised. They also declined to discuss any details surrounding the stated two-year bank sponsorship of what is the most prestigious and powerful position in UCD sport.

"The position of the Director of Sport in UCD is under active consideration by the Sports Development Trust and as of now no appointment in that post has been made," said a statement.

AIB also declined to discuss the issue. "AIB neither confirms or denies the early media reports on the appointment of Nicky English to the position," said an official.

AIB recently won exclusive rights to banking on the UCD campus following the Bank of Ireland's tenancy there for more than 10 years. However, sponsorship of the position of director of sport would be a new departure.

Dr O'Neill was first appointed to the position in 1990, moving from the FAI where he was general secretary. Before his appointment the job did not exist but he soon became the pioneer of bursaries and scholarships for students in a wide range of sports including hockey, athletics, rugby, soccer and Gaelic games.

English, who could not be contacted yesterday, is the manager of the Tipperary hurling team and it is believed that he will continue in that position. Twice an All-Ireland medal winner, he is considered one of the most respected and finest forwards of his generation, also winning numerous provincial championship titles and All-Star awards.

He is a native of Cullen, Co Tipperary, but has been based in Dublin for a number of years.