Mark Sexton to depart Connacht for 'new opportunity' while Ben Murphy and Paul Boyle sign contract extensions

Connacht have confirmed that Mark Sexton will leave the province at the end of the season, with the attack coach believed to be joining Ulster.

Sexton, younger brother of former Ireland captain Johnny, has been at the province since 2021, and is in his second season as part of the senior coaching team at Dexcom Stadium.

"We can confirm attack coach Mark Sexton has decided to finish his time with the club at the end of the season, to take up a new opportunity," a statement from Connacht rugby said.

"We'd like to thank Mark for all his contributions to Connacht, and wish him well for the future. Here's to a strong end to the season."

Sexton has been tipped to move north to Ulster where he will reunite with Richie Murphy.

The pair previously worked together with the Ireland U20s, winning back-to-back Grand Slams in 2022 and 2023.

Prior to joining Connacht's senior coaching staff, Sexton had been an elite player development officer at the province since 2021.

In better news for Connacht, Ben Murphy and Paul Boyle have signed contract extensions at the province.

Murphy joined from Leinster on a one-year deal last summer, but the scrum-half has been a key player already for Pete Wilkins's side, with his deal extended by a further 12 months.

Boyle has agreed a two-year deal, keeping him in Galway until the summer of 2027.

The 28-year-old back row has been one of the province's most consistent performers this season, playing in 10 of their 11 games in all competitions, scoring four tries.

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