Andy Keast brings a wealth of experience to his role as Chief Executive of the London Irish Foundation, combining a distinguished rugby coaching career with a deep-seated passion for community development and charitable initiatives.

After spending eight years in South Africa, Andy returned to the UK in 2016 to join London Irish RFC as Head of Community. During his time in South Africa, Andy worked as a rugby consultant while dedicating himself to charitable work through "Soul of Africa," a nonprofit organisation working in partnership with Clarks UK and USA. The charity focused on empowering communities in KwaZulu-Natal and raised over $2 million to support AIDS orphans, transforming countless lives. This commitment to using sport as a force for good continues to define his work at the London Irish Foundation.

As a trailblazer in British rugby, Andy became the first British coach to take part in the Southern Hemisphere's prestigious Super Rugby competition. From 1994 to 1996, he coached the Natal Sharks, steering the team to several remarkable achievements, including a narrow loss in the 1994 Super Rugby final, a 21-6 victory over England during their 1994 tour, and clinching the Currie Cup in 1995.

In 1997, Andy returned to South Africa as part of the British and Irish Lions coaching team during their historic and triumphant tour.

Before his time in the Southern Hemisphere, Andy coached at Harlequins, where he later served as Head Coach when the sport turned professional in 1996. He also held Head Coach positions at London Irish and Worcester during their time in the Premiership, leaving a lasting legacy in professional rugby before retiring from full-time coaching.
Andy’s career began outside of rugby, with 14 years in the Metropolitan Police, where he worked as a constable and physical training instructor. This background contributed to his strong leadership skills and ability to connect with diverse communities.

Through his leadership of the London Irish Foundation, Andy continues to champion the transformative power of sport, blending his extensive experience in rugby with a heartfelt commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.