CONNACHT HAVE CONFIRMED that former Edinburgh and Queensland Reds defence coach Peter Wilkins will be part of Kieran Keane’s backroom staff for next season.
Englishman Wilkins has learnt his trade in both hemispheres, beginning his coaching career with the RFU before making the move Down Under to work as a regional rugby manager and then defence coach with the Reds.
Wilkins returned to the UK two years ago and has spent the past two seasons working as defence coach with Edinburgh.
Ninth-placed Edinburgh’s defence has this season ranked seventh out of the Guinness Pro12′s 12 teams — conceding 491 points.
Last season Edinburgh also finished in ninth position, but they conceded just 366 points, making their defence the third tightest in the Pro12.
Wilkins will take Connacht’s defensive reins next season under the guidance of Kiwi head coach Keane, and alongside retained forwards coach Jimmy Duffy and former academy boss Nigel Carolan, whose role has yet to be specified.
“I’m really pleased to be joining Connacht Rugby and excited about the opportunity to become a part of an organisation I have enormous respect for,” Wilkins said in a statement.
“I have visited the Sportsground as an opposition coach and have always been struck, not just by the skill-set and commitment of the Connacht players on the field, but also by the passion and rugby values of the Connacht supporters and wider community.
“I’m well aware of Kieran’s qualities from my time in the southern hemisphere, and am really looking forward to working closely with him, as well as Jimmy, Nigel and the other members of the organisation.”
Connacht Rugby CEO Willie Ruane feels the province have got the right man for the job.
“We’re delighted to be welcoming Peter to Connacht Rugby ahead of the new season.
“In identifying the right candidate for this role, we were taken by the consistent, positive feedback on the work that Peter has done in his previous roles.
“We are excited about what he will be able to bring to a new coaching team and look forward to his arrival at the start of pre-season.”
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The scary thing is that he is not fully in tune with his team mates yet. The premier League will turn into the French league.
@Bert Carolan: yea unfortunately so. Liverpool just about kept with city the last few seasons but it was never sustainable simply because of city’s money. City already strong favourites for their 5league in 6seasons. And it’s even more unsavoury when you realise how city got to this position.
@Paul Mallon: It’s always been the case that one club will have more money than the others and can outbid rivals, take pool and Utd in the past. The source of the money was obviously different. The issue with city is that they can start a world class 11and still have a world class 11 on the bench.Over a season they’ll be untouchable.
The title race is gonna be over before the World Cup starts. Germany, France and now England all look like one horse races.
@Dave Ryan: Not necessarily. I reckon City will give Arsenal a real run for their money
@Tom Walsh: love it :)
What I don’t understand is how did city get him for almost half the price of Anthony?
@Davedental: They didn’t really. Have a look here – https://www.marca.com/en/football/manchester-city/2022/05/10/627a18b9268e3e1c678b457c.html
@Niall Walsh: Salary cap needed in Pl.
@Niall Walsh: really interesting, crazy money but he’s 21 and the best striker in the world
When are they putting his statue up?
It’ll be fun times when Real Madrid trigger his release clause in a couple of years.
By the end of the season!
Relentless the fella . Im Doing a hamstring Injury dance for him as we speak :(