Elwood tipped to replace Bradley

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.