Elwood tipped to replace Bradley

By John Fallon

Thursday, November 05, 2009

CONNACHT’S most capped player Eric Elwood has emerged as favourite to succeed Michael Bradley as head coach at the Sportsground.

The 40-year old, in his fifth season as assistant to Bradley, is the frontrunner along with forwards coach Dan McFarland to take over at the end of the season. The pair — former prop McFarland has four years in the role — were in charge of the Irish U20 side which completed a Six Nations Grand Slam three seasons ago.

Bradley announced on Tuesday that he would step down as Connacht coach at the end of the current season, having been in charge since 2003.

Connacht CEO Gerry Kelly reiterated yesterday the decision was timed to allow provincial bosses ample time to install a replacement and to allow Bradley to weigh up his options. Kelly also acknowledged that Elwood was a prime candidate.

"Eric has a very good coaching CV and he has to be regarded as prime candidate. He had a very successful campaign with the Irish U20s, winning a Grand Slam, and has worked under Michael for over fours. He is one who would be very acceptable in the Connacht region but at the same time we have a process to go through.

"The world is open to Michael. There are plenty of teams in the Magners League and the Premiership who will be interested in having a coach with his experience, not just with us but with Irish teams in several grades."

Meanwhile James Coughlan will lead Munster A, in their final before the start of the B&I Cup, against Ulster in Musgrave Park (tomorrow, 2pm). The side shows five changes, from the teams that defeated Leinster 21-15 in Clonmel last month.

Ian Nagle — injured on that occasion — returns to partner Dave Foley in the second row while the experienced Damien Varley comes into the front row in place of Mike Sherry.

In the backs, injury rules Duncan Williams out and Paul Rowley steps up to partner Declan Cusack while coach Anthony Foley can call on senior international Denis Hurley and Felix Jones to replace Danny Barnes and Ronan O’Mahony respectively. O’Mahony is named on the bench and Barnes will be on duty for the Munster Academy when they take on the Ireland U20s in Athlone.

Meanwhile Ulster flanker David Pollock will make his return to competitive rugby in Musgrave, after recovering from hip surgery. Ryan Caldwell, Tamaiti Horua, Declan Fitzpatrick and Timoci Nagusa are also included.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Thursday, November 05, 2009