Connacht Announce Structural Changes To Coaching Team
Connacht coaches Peter Wilkins and Andy Friend are pictured before a Heineken Champions Cup match at the Sportsground last season ©INPHO/James Crombie
Ahead of this week’s pre-season friendlies against Castres Olympique (away) and Sale Sharks (home), Connacht Rugby have announced a number of structural changes to their professional coaching team for 2022/23.
Andy Friend, who has served as head coach since 2018, has moved to a new position of director of rugby with overall responsibility for the rugby programme across Connacht’s professional set-up.
As part of this restructure, Peter Wilkins assumes the role of head coach for the season, more closely reflecting his responsibilities in leading on-field preparation of the team as well as primary responsibility for defence. Wilkins was co-opted into the Ireland coaching set up for the recent tour to New Zealand.
The rest of the coaching team consistis of Colm Tucker who moves to a new role of scrum & contact coach, Mossy Lawler takes over as attack & skills coach, and forwards coach Dewald Senekal has responsibility for the lineout and maul.
CONNACHT PROFESSIONAL COACHING TEAM – 2022/23 SEASON:
Andy Friend – Director of Rugby
Peter Wilkins – Head Coach
Dewald Senekal – Forwards (Lineout & Maul)
Colm Tucker – Scrum & Contact
Mossy Lawler – Attack & Skills