Sears charged with leading Connacht Rugby to next level

From Kenya to Connacht, Tom Sears’ career move is as ambitious as the province he will serve from next season, charged with leading the westerners into the next stage of their impressive progression.

Cricket Kenya CEO Sears, 43, was yesterday unveiled as the IRFU’s choice to be the new chief executive of Connacht Rugby, replacing Gerry Kelly, who will retire at the end of the month after 13 years at the helm.

The Englishman began his career in rugby administration, in the communications departments of both the RFU and Northampton Saints but it has been his business acumen in professional cricket that has seen him win the Connacht position ahead of more than 70 other applicants.