“This is a dream job for me and I am delighted to get the opportunity to go back to where it all started and where I played for 10 years.
“It is a real honour and I look forward to working with the squad and coaching team.
“I’d like to thank everyone at Galway United and wish them all the best for the rest of the season. Shane Keegan is an outstanding manager and both he and Colm Horgan, the captain, have been a great support to me during my time at the club.
“They made my job incredibly enjoyable and I really appreciate the efforts they have put in. I know the team will reap the rewards from their excellent work as the season goes on.”
Connacht Rugby CEO Willie Ruane added:
“We are delighted to be welcoming Johnny back to Connacht Rugby as Senior Strength & Conditioning Coach. He is someone that is hugely passionate about the area of S&C but also extremely passionate about the club and the people we represent.
“He has gained some valuable experience at both Arsenal and Galway United and I have no doubt that he will be a huge asset for us and the S&C team going forward.”
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Connacht son Johnny O'Connor returns to join club's backroom team
FORMER CONNACHT PLAYER Johnny O’Connor is rejoining the club as a strength and conditioning coach.
O’Connor brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously worked with Galway United and the Arsenal academy in the same capacity.
The Galway native spent 10 years playing for Connacht before switching to Wasps for three years.
The flanker won two Heineken Cups, two Premiership titles and a Powergen Cup with the English club.
After making his international debut in 2004, O’Connor earned 12 caps for Ireland and was part of the Triple Crown-winning squad in 2006.
Following his stint with Wasps, he returned to Connacht in 2007 and later retired from professional rugby in 2013.
Speaking about his return to the Sportsground, a delighted O’Connor told the club website:
“This is a dream job for me and I am delighted to get the opportunity to go back to where it all started and where I played for 10 years.
“It is a real honour and I look forward to working with the squad and coaching team.
“I’d like to thank everyone at Galway United and wish them all the best for the rest of the season. Shane Keegan is an outstanding manager and both he and Colm Horgan, the captain, have been a great support to me during my time at the club.
“They made my job incredibly enjoyable and I really appreciate the efforts they have put in. I know the team will reap the rewards from their excellent work as the season goes on.”
Connacht Rugby CEO Willie Ruane added:
“We are delighted to be welcoming Johnny back to Connacht Rugby as Senior Strength & Conditioning Coach. He is someone that is hugely passionate about the area of S&C but also extremely passionate about the club and the people we represent.
“He has gained some valuable experience at both Arsenal and Galway United and I have no doubt that he will be a huge asset for us and the S&C team going forward.”
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