Melrose joins Elwood’s team

NEW Connacht coach Eric Elwood has bolstered his backroom team with former Australian U-20 boss Brian Melrose coming on board as backs coach.

Melrose (47), who worked with the Waratahs for several seasons and was also in charge of the Australian sevens, joins Connacht from Eastwood RFC in Sydney and will arrive in Ireland in July.

Melrose was in charge of the Australian side at the U-20 World Cup in Wales where Elwood and his Connacht assistant Dan McFarland were coaching the Irish side, having led them to a Six Nations grand slam prior to that.

All three will join forces as Connacht bid to build on the progress made this season, with Elwood securing the services of 29 of the outgoing players.

Top of his shopping list will be a No 8 after efforts to hold on to inspirational Kiwi George Naoupu, who is departing to Japan.

Meanwhile, Connacht have confirmed they will take on Saracens and Gloucester in pre-season friendlies at the Sportsground.