Connacht boss Andy Friend not expecting more coaches to leave with Munster-bound Mossy Lawler

Andy Farrell doesn't believe there will be a major break-up of Connacht’s coaching staff at the end of the season, despite Mossy Lawler announcing he will join the Australian in departing the province.

Lawlor, who is attack and skills coach at Connacht, will end his eight-year stint in Galway to become Munster’s skills coach. The 42-year-old Limerick native spent eight years with Munster during his playing days, winning a Heineken Cup and Celtic League.

Friend is also leaving Connacht this summer after five years as head coach and director of rugby, but he is not expecting a further disintegration of the coaching ticket.

"Mossy has given eight brilliant years here to Connacht," said Friend. "He’s a Limerick man, he’s a family man, he’s got a wife and two young boys there, so it is tough.

"The coaching game is tough so if he can get back closer to them then it is going to make life easier for him. I am really pleased for Mossy that he has got that opportunity to move home.

"He will be missed here, no doubt about that. He has given great service here.

"In terms of the wider coaching team there is a process in place here at the moment and I have no doubt there will be a strong coaching ticket next year."

Connacht have begun the task of finding a successor for Friend but the 53-year-old said he is not part of the recruitment process.

"I'm not involved with the process at all," said Friend. "There is a process taking place with our CEO and Pro Rugby committee, so they are dealing with that with the IRFU.

"I honestly believe we have an outstanding coaching team. Pete Wilkins, what he is doing there as the head coach, I think he is running a really good ship.

"Mossy has done really well with our skills and attack work and Cullie Tucker,