Connacht announce revised pro coaching structure

Ahead of this week’s pre-season friendlies, Connacht Rugby have announced a number of structural changes to the professional coaching team for 2022/23.

Andy Friend, who has served as head coach since 2018, has moved to a new position of director of rugby with overall responsibility for the rugby programme across our professional set-up.

As part of this restructure, Peter Wilkins assumes the role of head coach for the season, more closely reflecting his responsibilities in leading on-field preparation of the team as well as primary responsibility for defence.

The rest of the coaching team will consist of Colm Tucker, who moves to a new role of scrum and contact coach, Mossy Lawler, takes over as atttack and skills coach, and forwards coach Dewald Senekal, who has responsibility for the lineout and maul.