Head coach Friend extends his contract with Connacht for another two years

Speculation surrounding Andy Friend’s future at Connacht has ended after the Australian native signed a two-year contract extension which will keep him at the Sportsground until the end of the 20-22/23 season.

Friend’s contract was due to expire at the end of the current campaign – as are the contracts of 23 players on the Connacht books – but the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on sport has had a knock-on impact on the timeline of contract negotiations.

Speaking at a Connacht press conference earlier this month, Friend said he and his wife (Kerri) were happy in the West of Ireland and would welcome the opportunity to stay, and that contract talks were going well.

That news was confirmed last Thursday as Friend, who replaced Kieran Keane in 2018 following head coach roles in Australia, England and Japan, and as Head Coach of the Australian Sevens side, is extending his association with Connacht.

“Ever since my wife and I moved to the West of Ireland I have been blown away by both the welcome we have received from the people here, as well as the pride they have for their province and for Connacht rugby. It has been a really enjoyable time for both of us and it was an easy decision to commit to a further two years,” Friend said following the announcement.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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