Pete Wilkins to take over from Andy Friend at Connacht

Connacht have confirmed that head coach Pete Wilkins will assume overall responsibility for the side next season, after the departure of director of rugby Andy Friend this summer.

The province say Wilkins has signed a three-year deal to lead their management team next season, with his role overseeing the entire professional setup.

The Englishman was appointed head coach last summer, with Andy Friend moving into a newly created director of rugby role, but with Friend now set to return to Australia at the end of the season, the province have given Wilkins overall responsibility for the side.

Wilkins arrived in Galway in 2017 as defence coach, having previously worked at Edniburgh and the Queensland Reds, and was promoted to the role of senior coach in 2021.

His further promotion to head coach in 2022 was seen as succession planning by Connacht, while he was also invited to join the Irish coaching staff for the summer tour of New Zealand last year, working as part of Andy Farrell's coaching ticket on a short-term basis.

"I am thrilled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Connacht Rugby for the next three seasons, and to lead this talented group of players and backroom staff," Wilkins said.

"In my six years here I've come to appreciate what a special province this is - not just the people within the organisation but the wider supporter base and volunteers in the clubs and schools who help make rugby in Connacht what it is today.

"In that regard I’m thankful to Connacht Rugby and the IRFU for entrusting me with the task of leading the professional setup during what will be a very exciting time on and off the field.

"For now however, my focus is solely on this season and making sure we have a strong finish in the URC and