Elwood set for Connacht hot seat

ERIC ELWOOD is poised to take over as Connacht coach for next season – the former Irish international is expected to be unveiled at a press conference in the Sportsground today.

Elwood (pictured) has been assistant coach to Michael Bradley for the past four and a half seasons and is set to take over from his former Irish half-back partner at the end of the season.

Bradley is stepping down at the end of the season after seven years in charge of Connacht after announcing his decision back in November.

Elwood, aged 41, made 168 appearances for Connacht and will become the first Connacht native to take charge of the province since the game went professional.

He retired at the end of the 2005 campaign and was appointed Connacht assistant coach. He coached the Ireland U-20 side to a Six Nations triumph three seasons ago along with forwards coach Dan McFarland who is also set to be part of his management team.