New Head Of Fitness And Increased Funding For Connacht

The IRFU have announced the appointment of Paul Bunce to the position of head of fitness at Connacht Rugby and additional funding for the province.

Paul Bunce will commence work with the Connacht squad ahead of the 2014/15 season and joins the province’s backroom team from the Scottish Rugby Sevens set-up where he was the lead strength & conditioning coach.  
 
Previous to his work with the SRU, Paul held the role of head of strength & conditioning at English Premiership club Bath and before that he was head trainer at the PRO12 side the Newport Gwent Dragons.
 
Paul takes over from Tom McLaughlin who has worked with Connacht Rugby for the past three years.
 
The IRFU have committed in excess of €;1 million in additional funding to Connacht Rugby for the coming season, with strength & conditioning facilities being one of the areas to benefit from increased resources.
 
Dave Clark, IRFU head of fitness, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Paul to Irish rugby.  He has a proven track record in rugby fitness and his experience and knowledge will not only benefit Connacht but Irish rugby as well.

“We would also like to thank Tom for his contribution to Connacht and Irish Rugby over the past three years.”
 
Connacht head coach Pat Lam added: “It’s an exciting time for Connacht Rugby with the increased investment and support from the IRFU to improve our rugby programme.

“Capturing someone of Paul’s considerable experience is in line with our vision and where we want to take Connacht Rugby.”