Connacht Rugby are on the recruitment path again, having officially confirmed Andy Friend's departure this week.
The affable Australian rugby director always said this would be his last season at the Sportsground, but admits it still was not an easy decision to make in the end.
"This was always on the cards when I signed my two-year extension in 2021, and one that I discussed openly with Willie and Connacht Rugby. It’s certainly not an easy decision to make as Kerri and I have both genuinely loved everything about our time here in the West of Ireland," he says.
Two of the current management team are expected to apply for the vacancy, including newly promoted head coach Peter Wilkins and new forwards coach Dewald Senekal, who has added a toughened and aggressive edge to his pack this season. And with the departures of Nigel Carolan and Jimmy Duffy at the end of 2021, Connacht may want to promote from within to ensure consistency and continuity in the playing approach.
Importantly Friend has made some astute signings for the province, particularly Mack Hansen and John Porch - talented players who may have been under the radar, but who Connacht now need to keep at the Sportsground.
Andy Friend and his wife Kerri have become familiar and well-liked personalities within the rugby club and also the wider community. Relishing Galway and Ireland, which has been their home for five years, they have also spent considerable time enjoying what the country has to offer, touring in their motor home.
CEO Willie Ruane says although Connacht knew this would be Friend's last season, he will missed across the organisation.
"We are very thankful for all he has done for the province in the past five seasons, both on and off the field. In that time, he has led us to many successful days, buying into the Connacht ethos and brand of rugby, while overseeing significant changes to our professional player and coaching profiles.
"He also embraced life in the West of Ireland, engaging fully with our grassroots clubs around the province and all levels of our Player Pathway Programme. That is evident in the number of players that Andy has promoted from our Academy to make their Connacht debuts in recent years. I’d like to wish Andy, his wife Kerri and the rest of their family every health and happiness for the future."
