By Stephen BarryConnacht have appointed Australian coach Andy Friend as the province's new head coach. Friend, who was most recently coach of the Australian Sevens team, will arrive at the Sportsground in late June to oversee pre-season training. Previously, Friend had worked with current England and former Australian head coach Eddie Jones during the 2003 World Cup and at the Australian Institute of Sport rugby programme. "I am extremely excited and honoured to be appointed as Head Coach of Connacht Rugby," said Friend. IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora commented: "Andy is an experienced Head Coach with insight into both northern and southern hemisphere club rugby through working in both the English Premiership and Super Rugby.

Source: Evening echo May 24, 2018 12:45 UTC