URC side reveals new coaching structure

NEWS: Irish province Connacht revealed a number of structural changes to their coaching team ahead of the 2022/23 United Rugby Championship season.

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 setup.

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 attack and skills coach and forwards coach Dewald Senekal who has responsibility for the lineout and maul.

Connacht will have pre-season friendlies against Castres Olympique (away) and Sale Sharks (home) this week.

CONNACHT PRO COACHING TEAM 2022/23:

Andy Friend – Director of Rugby
Peter Wilkins – Head Coach
Dewald Senekal – Forwards (Lineout and Maul)
Colm Tucker – Scrum & Contact
Mossy Lawler – Attack & Skills