Elwood to step down as Connacht head coach

Connacht Rugby head coach Eric Elwood is set to officially announce his departure from the province today.

Elwood, who has been head coach for two seasons, has decided not to renew his contract at the end of the season. It is understood he wants to take a break from rugby to spend more time with his young family

The 43-years-old informed his squad on Monday morning of his decision, just a day after Connacht’s 34-6 victory over Heineken Cup champions Leinster at the Sportsground.

The news has come as a big blow for the province who have made huge strides since the Galwegian native took the reigns two seasons ago. Having been understudy to Michael Bradley during his seven-years tenure, Elwood coached Connacht to their best ever finish in the RaboDirect League last season, when they finished in eighth place, while he also masterminded Connacht’s historic win over English champions Harlequins in their first foray into Heineken Cup rugby last season.

Elwood became the first Connacht native to coach his home province since Declan McDermott in the 80’s. And it was McDermott who gave the 19-years-old his first starting role for the province when they entertained the All Blacks in 1989.

Since then the Mervue native, who played with Galwegians RFC, has been at the forefront of the province’s rugby. Regarded as the ‘heart and soul’ of Connacht for 20 years, he made more than 150 appearances as a player, spanning both amateur and professional eras, and scored 318 points in the Celtic League.

After a move to Lansdowne, the out-half made 35 appearances for Ireland, playing in two World Cups. He retired from playing in 2005 and moved seamlessly into coaching where he brought the same passion, dedication and desire to promote Connacht youngsters.

Alongside his current assistant coach Dan McFarland, Elwood led the Ireland U20’s to a Grand Slam in 2006/07.