Mark Sexton set for Ulster move after departure confirmed by Connacht

Paul Boyle pens two-year contract extension with Connacht.

DEPARTING: Connacht Attack Coach Mark Sexton is to leave the province at the end of the season to take up a new opportunity. 

Connacht Rugby confirm that attack coach Mark Sexton is to leave the province at the end of the season. 

In the statement issued by the province this morning Sexton is to leave the club "to take up a new opportunity". 

In reports by The 42 Sexton looks set to join Ulster and link up again with Richie Murphy. Sexton spent two seasons as attack coach with the Ireland U20s under Murphy helping them to two Grand Slams and a World Cup final.

The former St Mary's College RFC man joined Connacht's senior coaching staff in 2023 when he was appointed assistant attack coach with head coach Pete Wilkins maintaining overall responsibility for the side's attack. Sexton had been working in the Connacht academy system as an elite player development officer.

Sexton has taken overall leadership for the attack for Connacht this season but will depart the Westerners at the end of the season.

"We can confirm attack coach Mark Sexton has decided to finish his time with the club at the end of the season, to take up a new opportunity.

"We'd like to thank Mark for all his contributions to Connacht, and wish him well for the future. Here’s to a strong end to the season". 

Connacht have also announced that back rower Paul Boyle has penned a two year extension with the province. Boyle joined the Connacht academy ahead of the 2017-18 season and made his senior debut for the province against Munster in January 2018. 

Boyle has made 102 appearances to date for the province and scored 25 tries becoming the club's all-time try-scoring forward. He featured in the 2021 Summer Internationals for Ireland against USA.

Scrum-half Ben Murphy has also extended his contract with the province for next season. Murphy joined Connacht at the start of the season from Leinster. He has made nine appearances to date for the province and scored four tries.

Head Coach Pete Wilkins is delighted to get pen to paper for both players. "It’s a great boost to have both Paul and Ben commit their future to the club. 

"They have been two of our in-form players this season, and they give you everything you look for in a back rower and scrum-half. Their best days are still ahead of them too, so I look forward to seeing them continue to go from strength to strength.”