Connacht stalwart earns full-time coaching role with Ireland

Cullie Tucker has been appointed as head coach of Ireland U20s, succeeding Andrew Browne in the role once the 2026 Guinness U20 Six Nations is over.

Connacht’s scrum and contact coach led Ireland A to an emphatic victory over Spain last week and has been rewarded with a permanent role in the the national team setup.

Tucker was also part of Paul O’Connell’s backroom team for Ireland’s summer tour of Georgia and Portugal.

“Working with Connacht Rugby for the past 10 years has been a massive passion in my life, and in my coaching career to date. I would like to thank CEO Willie Ruane and all of my colleagues in the Backroom team, staff and players for all their support and friendship over the last few years,” Tucker said.

“It has been one of the biggest honours in both mine and my family’s life to coach under the Connacht crest. I am so incredibly thankful for all the experiences and lifelong friends I have made.

“My wife Deirdre, sons Colm and Charlie and daughter Evie are proud Connacht supporters and we, as a family, have enjoyed many a special night in the Dexcom. We will continue to watch and support Connacht rugby next season and it will always have a special place in my heart.

“There is no better place than a full Dexcom stadium with incredible support of the wonderful Connacht people, I’ll cherish those memories. Connacht have an exciting future on and off the field and I look forward to continuing to help drive the province forward over the course of this season under Stuart (Lancaster).”

IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys added: “We are delighted to secure Cullie’s appointment at an exciting and very important juncture for the underage pathway system in Irish rugby. Cullie is an outstanding homegrown coach who has gained a huge amount of experience both at provincial and national levels.

“He is also a passionate and talented leader and I’m looking forward to working with him to ensure the Ireland U20 team side, and all national age-grade teams and programmes, remain at the forefront of the player development system in Ireland.”