Major blow as McFarland to leave Connacht in Summer

Connacht Rugby suffered a major blow on Wednesday when it was confirmed that assistant coach Dan McFarland is to leave the province at the end of the current campaign.

The popular former prop became on the second player to reach 100 caps for the province, following in the footsteps of Eric Elwood, and as well as a player, he has also served the province as a forwards coach and assistant coach.

He also forces with Elwood to lead Ireland’s U-20 side to the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2007; and was appointed as Head Coach of the Emerging Ireland side for the 2014 IRB Nations Cup.

McFarland joined Connacht from in 2000, and played six seasons for the club before being appointed as forwards coach in 2006 under Michael Bradley. When Elwood took the coaching job in 2010,m he appointed McFarland as his assistant.

“Dan has been outstanding in his role with Connacht Rugby over the last 15 years. From player to coach, his influence has been a huge asset to the club. His passion and determination to see this place succeed could never be questioned and he will be greatly missed by all those who have worked with him,” said Connacht CEO, Willie Ruane.

Ruane said that he will be sitting with the Rugby Advisory Board at Connacht in the coming days to agree the appropriate process and to ensure the province finds the most suitable replacement for McFarland.

McFarland admitted the decision to leave was a difficult one, but said he felt the time had come to explore new avenues and different challenges.

“I am extremely grateful to so many people for the opportunities I have been given here; it has been an honour to work with so many committed and talented players. My family and I have had a wonderful 15 years in Connacht. It is our home and we will greatly miss the place and the people.

“I wish Willie (Ruane), Pat (Lam), Tim (Allnutt) and the whole organisation the very best and I have no doubt that the excellent infrastructure that has been put in place will provide continued success going forward,” he said.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.