Connacht chief Willie Ruane plays down ‘crisis’ talk despite exodus

Connacht chief executive Willie Ruane has denied that Connacht are in crisis, despite the province losing Pat Lam and two other coaches in addition to three players who started the PRO12 final win over Leinster.

Backs coach Andre Bell returned to New Zealand shortly after the historic final win, with skills coach Dave Ellis set to cut short his stay at the Sportsground in January.

But while Robbie Henshaw left during the summer and was followed by lock Aly Muldowney and out-half AJ MacGinty, Ruane said the unrest was being managed.