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'Blown away' Friend signs Connacht extension

By Online Editors
(Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Connacht head coach Andy Friend has agreed on a two-year contract extension through to summer 2023, a deal that will keep the Australian with the Irish province for a total of five years after he arrived there in 2018 as the successor to Kiwi Kieran Keane. 

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The ex-Australia 7s boss has handed debuts to 15 Connacht academy players during his time so far at a club that has proven a home away from home for the head coach who currently has his team in second place in Conference B of the Guinness PRO14 despite last Sunday’s home defeat to Ospreys.

“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,” said Friend.

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Andy Farrell and Johnny Sexton talks to the media at this week’s virtual Six Nations launch

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Andy Farrell and Johnny Sexton talks to the media at this week’s virtual Six Nations launch

“It has been a really enjoyable time for both of us and it was an easy decision to commit to a further two years. There is a hugely exciting few years ahead for Connacht, both on the field with the squad we have and off the field with the redevelopment of The Sportsground. 

“I want to play my part in the next stage of this journey and I will do all I can to build on the progress we have made to date and ensure we deliver on the real potential that exists within this group.”

Connacht CEO Willie Ruane added: “Everyone has been really impressed by what Andy has brought to the province in his three seasons here. He has bought into everything we are trying to achieve and brings a positive culture and ethos to the entire organisation. 

“While Andy has been instrumental in helping our existing players become better players, he has also given our academy players the opportunities to impress and in doing so enabled us to build the depth we require to succeed.”

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Bull Shark 5 minutes ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically. I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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