Andy Friend signs new two-year contract with Connacht

Connacht have confirmed that head coach Andy Friend has penned a new two-year contract with the Pro14 club.

The 51-year-old now has committed his future with the Sportsground based club until the end of the 2022/23 season.

Friend joined Connacht ahead of the 2018/19 season and on his maiden year, he guided the club to the play-offs in the Pro14 and helped them qualify to the European Champions Cup in two successive years.

Even in the ongoing season, the Irish regional side are positioned second in Conference A table with five wins from 10 matches.

“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.

"It has been a really enjoyable time for both of us and it was an easy decision to commit to a further two years.

Connacht chief executive Willie Ruane is confident that Friend's extended stay will benefit the club in achieving their goal.

“Everyone at Connacht Rugby 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.

"Whilst 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”.