Scott Fardy lands defence coach role at Connacht

Connacht have appointed former Leinster and Australia forward Scott Fardy as their new defence coach on a two-year deal.

Aside from his four seasons spent at Leinster, Fardy played for five years with the Brumbies in his native land and for three years at Kamaishi Seawaves in Japan.

Fardy said of his move to the Sportsground: "I’m also very excited to be coaching in the URC and Europe, which are such challenging and diverse competitions.

"There’s a lot of great young talent in the Connacht squad, coupled with some really experienced players.

"I’m looking forward to working with them and doing my bit to help them go from strength to strength."

Head coach Pete Wilkins, who will assume overall responsibility for the side next season when Andy Friend departs, said: "I am delighted to be adding Scott to the Connacht Rugby coaching team for the 2023/24 season and beyond.

"When we began the recruitment process for a new defence coach, it was important to identify someone with experience of professional rugby at the very highest level, but also a person with the qualities that we want to see in a Connacht Rugby team in the years ahead.

In Scott, we have recruited someone who absolutely fits that mould on both fronts."