Pete Wilkins steps down as Connacht head coach

“It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my departure from Connacht Rugby."

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins has stepped down with immediate effect.

The Englishman had been on sick leave for the last four games.

Scrum coach Cullie Tucker will now take charge of the province for the rest of the season.

45-year-old Wilkins had been at Connacht for eight years, working as defence coach under both Kieran Keane and Andy Friend, before stepping up into the lead role in 2022.

While Connacht have shown frequent flashes of their potential, their error-prone inconsistency and leaky defence has left them in 13th position in the URC table.

IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys said: "Pete has contributed an enormous amount to the growth of the game in Connacht, and Irish Rugby owes him a debt of gratitude for his dedication and commitment to the province.

"On behalf of the IRFU I would like to take the opportunity to thank Pete for his hard work over the last eight years and wish him and his family well in the future."

In a statement, Wilkins said: “It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my departure from Connacht Rugby – the club and province that I have been so proud to call home for the last eight years.  

"During this season, I have been having some very open and honest discussions about my future at the club. Although incredibly privileged to have been given the responsibility of leading the rugby programme here, the longer I have spent in the role, the further away I have found myself from the aspects of coaching not only that I most enjoy, but also that allow me to contribute most effectively to the team.

"As such, I have made the decision that it is best for the club, myself, and most importantly my family, that I step away with immediate effect. In doing so, the club and I agree it gives our players, staff and supporters clarity for the remainder of the season, and myself the opportunity to focus on returning to full health before my next coaching challenge. 

"I am very grateful to all of the players that have worked so hard and been so eager to learn during this time, as well as the pro team staff who have given me such great support and friendship. To the wider staff of Connacht Rugby, the authenticity, pride, commitment and sense of humour that you bring to your work every day has always been an inspiration to me. 

"To the Connacht supporters, it has been the most incredible privilege to have had this opportunity to be part of the Connacht Rugby family. This is a very special club, in an incredibly special part of the world.

"Beyond rugby, Galway has become our family home, and Sarah, Harry, Oscar and I have been blessed with the friendships and care that the wonderful people of Barna and the wider province have offered us.  

"Connacht Abú.”