Connacht Appoint Duffy As New Forwards Coach

Connacht Rugby have appointed Jimmy Duffy as their new forwards coach. He takes over from the long-serving Dan McFarland who has joined the Glasgow Warriors management team.

Jimmy Duffy, who has been working as Elite Player Development Officer in the successful Connacht Rugby Academy since 2011, will join the province’s senior coaching team from the start of pre-season on June 29.

As a player, Duffy represented Connacht more than twenty times and, during this time, he went on to play for the Barbarians, the Combined Provinces, Ireland Under-21s and Ireland ‘A’.

After his playing career ended, he transitioned into the role of coach. Duffy has been head coach of Connacht’s Under-20s for the past four seasons. He has also been assistant coach to Nigel Carolan with Connacht Eagles and previously for seven seasons, with the Ireland Under-18 Clubs squads.

Willie Ruane, Connacht Rugby’s CEO, said: “I am delighted to see Jimmy take up this role in Connacht Rugby. Jimmy is a great example of Connacht Rugby realising our vision of ‘Grassroots to Greenshirts’, bringing indigenous Connacht players through from our clubs and enabling them to realise their ambitions as professional players and coaches within Connacht.”

Jimmy Duffy (pictured above with Elite Player Development Officer Mossy Lawler) commented: “It is a new challenge for me and one I am hugely looking forward to. There is real ambition and belief in Connacht Rugby and the current squad. I want to make my contribution and support Pat and the rest of the management team in taking the next step forward.”

Connacht head coach Pat Lam added: “When I first arrived at Connacht Rugby I was extremely impressed with the coaching ability and commitment of Jimmy. I could see why he has been a key figure in our Connacht Rugby Academy, in developing talented rugby players and young leaders.

“He will bring both strong technical coaching skills and authentic leadership qualities that will have a real impact as we continue to build and progress as a young squad. I’m delighted that he will be joining the pro team and he will be an excellent addition to our coaching group.”