‘It is not something I will discuss too much publicly’ – Connacht’s new captain and culture shift

CULTURE SHIFT: Pete Wilkins has set the tone by naming Cian Prendergast as new Connacht captain. Pic: ©INPHO/James Crombie

A fresh start. Cian Prendergast will drive it.

This week the 24-year-old backrow will lead Connacht out against Munster after he was named the new captain of the province. For Pete Wilkins, it was a call about setting the tone.

“Look, he is the benchmark within our group in terms of the diligence which he prepares, not just his body physically, but work off-field in terms of rugby knowledge, understanding our game, developing his craft as a player,” said the Connacht head coach.

“He leads by example in that respect. Also, from early on he showed a willingness to challenge in a positive way, whether that is challenging his team-mates about what they are delivering or their potential or indeed challenging us as coaches in terms of how he thinks we can contribute better to the programme.

"I think there is an honesty and courage about how he goes about his work. I think that is infectious.”

After a disappointing debut campaign that saw his side finish 11th and miss out on Champions Cup qualification, Wilkins has started to make changes.

Prendergast is somewhat part of that. He will be supported by vice-captains Dave Heffernan and Joe Joyce. There is also a five-strong leadership group in place.

“I think we are developing quite a strong framework that maybe wasn’t there before. The other thing we will get is different views on the game and different views on the culture that Joe and Dave will bring. That will compliment Cian nicely.”

Make no mistake, this was Wilkins’ decision. Their off-season review was unsparing. He is confident they know now what needs to be done.

“There is no silver bullet. There is a whole range of areas we have looked to address. Some of it is refining and almost reducing some of the ideas we have floating around how we attack, how we defend, set-piece.

“I think we had a wealth of input last year in terms of different aspects of the game that we were trying to evolve and trying to improve. Sometimes simpler is better. Simpler doesn’t have to be boring. It doesn’t have to mean a lack of ambition.

"But going after fundamentals in each area of the game and doing them as brilliantly as possible week on week is a key bit of it.

“Behind that it is what we stand for culturally. It is not something I will discuss too much publicly, but the group having a better understanding of what type of spirit we want, what type of culture we are trying to represent in the team.

"That provides an anchor that can help draw out that consistency when you are under pressure. There are a few things we are going after; they are the couple of big areas. I can’t wait to see if there is evidence of that from Munster onwards.”