Pete Wilkins

CONNACHT HAVE ANNOUNCED the appointment of Peter Wilkins as their new head coach on a three-year deal. He will lead a new coaching team which will be ...

He was also Head Coach of the Reds’ A squad during this time. Following Andy Friend’s move to Director of Rugby in 2022, Wilkins became Head Coach, assuming greater responsibility for more of the on-pitch elements of the rugby programme. Wilkins first joined Connacht in 2017, arriving as Defence Coach in a role which he would fulfil for four seasons.

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced that Pete Wilkins will take charge of the Province from Andy Friend next season.

He also had a stint with the Queensland Reds from 2011 to 2015. “I know we can count on our incredible supporters for some vital games in the coming weeks and months. From next season, he will take overall responsibility of the squad.

Connacht have confirmed that head coach Pete Wilkins will assume overall responsibility for the side next season, after the departure of director of rugby ...

"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 can assure everyone that we will be doing everything in our power to cap off the great work of Andy [Friend] during his time here, and to then further build on that, during my tenure at the helm of Connacht Rugby." The Englishman was appointed head coach last summer, with Andy Friend moving into a newly created director of rugby role, but with Friend now set to return to Australia at the end of the season, the province have given Wilkins overall responsibility for the side.

Last November Andy Friend announced that he would be departing at the end of this season.

He now has the opportunity to shape the next evolution of pro rugby at Connacht.” It’s a coaching group which I think the players will really enjoy working with.” Pete Wilkins is to assume overall responsibility for the Connacht team from the beginning of next season.