Elwood to make Connacht exit

Eric Elwood will today confirm his decision to step down as Connacht head coach at the end of the

current season after three years in charge at the Sportsground.

The decision brings to an end Elwood’s 24-year association with the club. Having played in the green of Connacht for 16 years, Elwood then spent five years as assistant coach before taking over from Michael Bradley as head coach in 2010.

Family commitments are believed to be the main reason for Elwood’s departure with the former Ireland out-half not expected to take charge at any other club.

The news comes as Connacht face into a crucial juncture in their season with a RaboDirect interprovincial meeting with Ulster this weekend ahead of their opening Heineken Cup game of the season against Zebre.

It is understood Elwood informed Connacht CEO Tom Sears of his intentions some time ago while the players were told on Monday.

The timing of the announcement gives Sears ample time to find a replacement by the end of the season.

Elwood made 168 appearances for Connacht as well as scoring 296 points in 35 appearances for Ireland. He went on to coach the Ireland U-20 rugby team to Grand Slam success in the 2006-07 Six Nations.

He guided Connacht to a record high finish of eighth in the league last season and was also at the helm to oversee the province’s first season in the Heineken Cup which ended in a historic 9-8 victory over Conor O’Shea’s Harlequins at the Sportsground.