Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins leaves province 'with a heavy heart'

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins has left his role with the province with immediate effect, ending his eight-year association with the province.

Scrum coach Cullie Tucker will now take charge of the province for the rest of the season, as they look to improve on 13th place in the URC, starting with the games in South Africa against the Stormers and Lions.

Wilkins, 45, released the following statement:

“It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my departure from Connacht Rugby – the club and province that I have been so proud to call home for the last eight years.

“During this season, I have been having some very open and honest discussions about my future at the club. Although incredibly privileged to have been given the responsibility of leading the rugby programme here, the longer I have spent in the role, the further away I have found myself from the aspects of coaching not only that I most enjoy, but also that allow me to contribute most effectively to the team.

“As such, I have made the decision that it is best for the club, myself, and most importantly my family, that I step away with immediate effect. In doing so, the club and I agree it gives our players, staff and supporters clarity for the remainder of the season, and myself the opportunity to focus on returning to full health before my next coaching challenge.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

30

20

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

80%

“I am very grateful to all of the players that have worked so hard and been so eager to learn during this time, as well as the pro team staff who have given me such great support and friendship. To the wider staff of Connacht Rugby, the authenticity, pride, commitment and sense of humour that you bring to your work every day has always been an inspiration to me.

“To the Connacht supporters, it has been the most incredible privilege to have had this opportunity to be part of the Connacht Rugby family. This is a very special club, in an incredibly special part of the world.

“Beyond rugby, Galway has become our family home, and Sarah, Harry, Oscar and I have been blessed with the friendships and care that the wonderful people of Barna and the wider province have offered us.

Connacht Abú.”

Meanwhile, IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys paid tribute to the contribution that Wikkins has made.

He said: “Pete has contributed an enormous amount to the growth of the game in Connacht, and Irish Rugby owes him a debt of gratitude for his dedication and commitment to the province.