Nigel Carolan and Jimmy Duffy join Connacht's new coaching team

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed the appointment of Nigel Carolan and Jimmy Duffy to Kieran Keane’s new coaching team ahead of the start of next season.

Commenting on the coaching announcements, Connacht Rugby CEO Willie Ruane said:

“We are delighted that both Nigel and Jimmy will be part of the new-look coaching team under Kieran Keane. The fact that both are local coaches who have come through the Connacht system is a massive positive for the club and further illustrates our vision of Grassroots to Green Shirts.

“Jimmy is well established within the backroom team after two seasons as Forwards Coach and Nigel brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the game from his time as Connacht Academy Manager and Ireland U20’s head coach.

“We are currently in the process of finalising the full makeup of the backroom team and we hope to have further news in the coming weeks.”

Carolan has held the role of Connacht Rugby Academy Manager since 2004 and has played a pivotal role in the identification and development of young talent across the province in that time.

Carolan also worked as an assistant coach with the Ireland under-20’s from 2008 to 2010 before being appointed head coach of the side in 2015, subsequently leading the team to its first ever World Rugby U20 Championship final in June 2016.