Andy Friend confirms Connacht exit at end of season

Connacht have confirmed Andy Friend will step down as director of rugby when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Friend joined the province as head coach in 2018 and was promoted to director of rugby ahead of the current campaign.

The Australian has won 51 of his 105 games in charge and last season steered Connacht into the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals for the first time.

"My wife Kerri and I have made the decision that our time at Connacht Rugby will finish at the end of this season," said Friend in a statement.

"This was always on the cards when I signed my two-year extension in 2021, and one that I discussed openly with Willie [Ruane, Connacht's chief executive] and Connacht Rugby.

"It’s certainly not an easy decision to make as we have both genuinely loved everything about our time here in the West of Ireland. From the minute we arrived we were welcomed with open arms and made to feel very much a part of the community and the rich history of the club.

"I am very proud of what we’ve been able to achieve both on and off the field as a team since our arrival, and am driven to do everything in my power to ensure this season is the best one yet."

The former Australia Sevens coach handed debuts to 51 players during his time with the province, with 21 of those having come through the Connacht pathway system.

Connacht said they will shortly commence a process to find a replacement for Friend.

Ruane added: "We've been fully aware from when Andy signed his last contract extension with us, that this would be his last, and that he would be moving on at the end of this season.

"While we are sad to see him go and he will be sorely missed across the organisation, we are very thankful for all he has done for the province