CONNACHT HAVE ANNOUNCED a reshaping of their coaching setup for next season after backs coach Nigel Carolan and forwards coach Jimmy Duffy both confirmed they are to leave the province this summer.
Current defence coach Peter Wilkins will make the switch to the role of senior coach next season. Wilkins will be supported by Mossy Lawler, who has been appointed assistant attack & skills coach, and Colm Tucker who will take charge of defence and forwards’ technical skills.
Lawler and Tucker will be making the step up from academy and talent-ID roles respectively.
Connacht also confirmed that they still intend to appoint an overall forwards coach in light of Duffy’s impending departure. That process is ongoing and an eventual appointment will increase the number of people in Connacht’s professional coaching group to five, including head coach Andy Friend.
All three new appointments have signed two-year deals in conjunction with Friend’s recent contract extension.
“This is a really exciting development for Connacht Rugby,” Friend said. “Firstly, with Peter as our new senior coach, we have someone who has been a crucial part of the coaching team since my arrival. Pete has an incredible knowledge of the game and has built up a wealth of experience across the Pro14 and Super Rugby. I know he will thrive in his new role of implementing strategies across a number of areas of our programme.
“I’m equally pleased to welcome Colm and Mossy into our coaching setup from next season. I’ve always believed in strong integration between the pro and academy environments, so we’ve been working closely together the past few years. Like Nigel and Jimmy before them when they first became pro coaches, they have worked their way through the coaching ranks here and have played a major part in the development of the many young players we have in our squad. Their appointments will allow for even greater continuity as we continue to develop our homegrown talent.”
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Best of luck to them, but it wouldn’t be a move that’s inspiring me with confidence, I obviously hope I proved very wrong. It will be interesting to see who takes up the forwards coach role.
@Patrick Breen: way more confidence in them that most other appointments. Two former pro players, Lawlor is a Munster cult hero and Tucker was very unfortunate with injuries but looked destined to replicate his father with international honours. Both have huge AIL coaching experience and great success at that level. Both have learned the Connacht system from the ground up under 3 or 4 coaching tickets. Arguably far better choices than any others.
@SomeGuy: I don’t the last lad was digging necessarily at the new appointments but more at Wilkins promotion(, as from the casual outside looking in, things in his specific realm have been the area Connacht fans see as the pertinent issue from last year) and the announcements after Duffy and particularly Carolan.
@SomeGuy: you must be the spin doctor for the IRFU it stinks of cut backs. Compare the cost of connachts coaching ticket to Munster and Leinster.
I wish both the best of luck in their roles. Just reward for massive work
Speaks to me of an issue around financial resources. Probably the cheapest option. Is it the best? Have to say I am doubtful. Guess not every province has a tax dodger ready to bail us out.
@Joe Vlogs: you really should get one , they are brilliant and great for a number of sports ….
@Joe Vlogs: I’d guess financial as well, but it doesn’t mean the wont be good. Recently Soper was coaching in AIB and Schools, was highly tought off, but not a big name and has done a great job for Ulster, taking over from Peel. Similarly McLaughlin, from Schools rugby, to Ulster head coach and a HCup final. Not being big names doesn’t mean they won’t be good coaches.
@Kingshu: fair points. I have faith in Friend too so hopefully they make a strong team
@Joe Vlogs: you shouldn’t talk about Dennis O’Brien like that.
@st: who is Denis O’Brien? I haven’t heard of him, only of Redacted.
Two really good local coach’s, they are already in the system so that can only be of benefit to Connacht