Pete Wilkins, currently head coach, will be given overall responsibility for Connacht's professional team from next season.
Although his current title does not change - with Andy Friend currently director of rugby - Wilkins will assume that mantle in his new role with Friend retiring.
Wilkins has signed a three-year deal and will lead a new coaching team which will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Understood to be in the running for one of those positions is former captain and fan favourite, John Muldoon, currently with Pat Lam's Bristol.
Wilkins first joined Connacht in 2017 as defence coach before being promoted four years later to senior coach with primary responsibility for attack. When Friend moved to the director of rugby role in 2022, Wilkins took over as head coach, assuming greater responsibility for on-pitch rugby, and joined the Irish coaching team in New Zealand last summer.
Willie Ruane, CEO of Connacht Rugby says Wilkins emerged as the successful candidate following a "thorough process run in conjunction with the IRFU:.
" He is an excellent coach with extensive knowledge of the club and wider province, and understands the needs of our squad and our system to help drive the success we are all striving for.
"He has demonstrated considerable growth as a coach and as a leader throughout his time here at Connacht and we believe he is the right person to now take the group forward."
IRFU's performance director David Nucifora says Wilkins has invested five years getting to know the strengths of Connacht Rugby and the opportunities that exist within the Irish system.
"The investment of Pete spending time with the national coaching team on the New Zealand tour last summer was invaluable as part of his development and progression into the head coach role."
After six years Wilkins says he has come to appreciate what a special province Connacht is - "not just the people within the organisation, but the wider supporter base and volunteers in the clubs and schools that help make rugby in Connacht what it is today".
"For now, however, my focus is solely on this season and making sure we have a strong finish in the URC and Challenge Cup. I know we can count on our incredible supporters for some vital games in the coming weeks and months. I can assure everyone we will be doing everything in our power to cap off the great work of Andy during his time here, and to then further build on that."
Connacht Rugby says an announcement on the make-up of next season’s coaching team will be made over the coming weeks.
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