Connacht add Wilkins to coaching staff

Editor

Connacht and the Irish Rugby Football Union have announced the appointment of Peter Wilkins as Defence Coach at the province.

Wilkins, who has spent the past two seasons at Edinburgh, will join Kieran Keane’s new-look staff along with Jimmy Duffy and Nigel Carolan.

Wilkins, from England, began his coaching journey with the RFU before moving to Australia where he progressed within the Reds from Regional Rugby Manager to Defence Coach.

During his time in Brisbane he was also Head Coach of Queensland A and Defence Coach of Queensland Country. In the summer of 2015, he returned with his family to the UK to take up the Defence Coach role at Edinburgh.

Wilkins will join up with the province for the beginning of pre-season in June.

Commenting on the news, he said: "I’m really pleased to be joining Connacht Rugby and excited about the opportunity to become a part of an organisation I have enormous respect for.

"I have visited the Sportsground as an opposition coach and have always been struck, not just by the skill set and commitment of the Connacht players on the field, but also by the passion and rugby values of the Connacht supporters and wider community.

"I’m well aware of Kieran’s qualities from my time in the southern hemisphere, and am really looking forward to working closely with him, as well as Jimmy, Nigel and the other members of the organisation.

"I look forward to contributing to further success for Connacht Rugby and the province as a whole."