Most recently the head coach of the Ireland Women’s Sevens team, Temple-Jones boasts a vast array of experience across multiple rugby codes.
He led the Ireland Women’s Sevens to Ireland’s first title on the SVS Series, the 2024 win in Perth, and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
His two years in the role was his second stint in the Sevens programme, having previously served as Head of Athletic Performance for the Ireland Sevens teams from 2017 to 2021.
From 2021 to 2023 he worked with the Sharks in his native South Africa where he held the role of Athletic Performance Manager.
A native of Durban, he spent 10 years as S&C coach with the Springbok Sevens where he became known for his fitness work during one of the country’s most successful periods at that level - the squad winning Olympic bronze, Commonwealth gold, and two World Series.
Temple-Jones replaces Michael Kiely who has chosen to move on after three years in the role.
IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys says Temple-Jones has made a significant impact during his time with the Ireland Sevens programme, "particularly in the historic achievements of the Women’s squad winning the title in Perth and getting to their first ever Olympics".
"His attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and experience at the highest level make him a great addition to Connacht’s high-performance team."
