Connacht coach Nel signs for three years

CONNACHT have received a major boost with the announcement that coach Steph Nel has signed a new three-year contract.

The 35-year-old South African took charge of Connacht two years ago after one of their worst seasons in history.

He set about developing a young side and last season they reached the quarter-finals of the inaugural Celtic League thanks to victories away to the likes of Cardiff and Newport and at home to Neath. In the Parker Pen Shield they also showed good form, defeating French side Narbonne on a good run which ended when they lost to eventual winners Sale Sharks.