Connacht announce Kieran Keane’s successor as head coach

Connacht have announced that former ACT Brumbies coach Andy Friend will take over as the club's head coach next season after agreeing to a three-year contract with the western province.

Friend takes over from New Zealander Kieran Keane who was released by the province earlier this month less than 12 months into a three-year contract. Keane endured a dismal season in Galway and Friend takes over from him after Rugby Australia denied his application for a contract renewal for his role as coach of the Australian men's sevens team. Friend lasted just 18 months in the sevens job but he will arrive in Galway this summer with previous experience as head coach of the Brumbies and of Premiership club Harlequins. “I am extremely excited and honoured to be appointed as Head Coach of Connacht Rugby," said Friend following his appointment. "Connacht is a proud province with huge potential to build on the success of recent seasons. I look forward to meeting the players, staff, supporters and wider community when I arrive in the Sportsground ahead of the new season.” Commenting on the appointment, CEO of Connacht Rugby Willie Ruane said: “We are delighted to announce Andy Friend as the new Head Coach of Connacht Rugby. "Andy has a wealth of experience at international and club level and shares our ambition for Connacht Rugby over the coming seasons. He will arrive in the Sportsground at the end of June and will oversee the preseason training plan ahead of the 2018/19 season.”