Connacht appoint Trevor Woodman as new scrum coach

Connacht Rugby have confirmed the appointment of Trevor Woodman as the club’s new scrum coach from next season. 

The former England World Cup winner arrives with extensive experience as both a player and coach, joining the province ahead of a new campaign as Connacht continue to strengthen their coaching setup.

Trevor Woodman Named Connacht Scrum Coach

Woodman takes over the scrum coach role from Cullie Tucker, who is leaving at the end of the season to become head coach of the Ireland Under-20s.

Connacht General Manager of Performance Billy Millard said Woodman will join the club next season, bringing more than 15 years of top-level coaching experience, including a long spell in the English Premiership.

“Trevor has an impressive coaching CV and his credentials as a player speak for themselves,

"His knowledge of the scrum, built on nearly 20 years of experience, is what really made him stand out as a candidate. I know first-hand what an excellent job he has done at Gloucester, and he’s the right man to build on the excellent foundation Cullie has left in this area of the game.

"I’m sure all the players and coaches will look forward to working with him and we welcome his family to Galway next season.”

He most recently built his reputation during a 12-year stint at Gloucester Rugby, where he became widely respected for his technical expertise in forward play and scrum development.

Trevor Woodman Coaching Career And Experience

Before joining Gloucester in 2014, Woodman began his coaching career in Australia, working with Sydney University and the Australian Rugby Union as national scrum coach. He later returned to England to serve as forwards coach at Wasps, where he spent four seasons.

Trevor Woodman Rugby Career And England Honours

Woodman also enjoyed a distinguished playing career. He won the Rugby World Cup with England in 2003 and started at loose-head prop in the final against Australia. He earned 22 caps for England and played more than 140 times for Gloucester between 1995 and 2004 before later having a spell with Sale Sharks.

“I’m delighted to be joining the Connacht coaching team next season, and there’s plenty of reasons why this is the right move for me.," said Woodman,

"After many years in the Premiership I want to challenge myself in a new environment, so moving to Ireland and joining an exciting club like Connacht, who are on the rise on and off the field, is a perfect fit for me and my family".