Connacht coach quits on eve of SA tour

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins has left his role ahead of a two-match Vodacom URC tour of South Africa.

The Irish club, who are 13th on the log but still well in playoff contention, face the Stormers in Cape Town and the Lions in Johannesburg over the next fortnight.

Wilkins had been on sick leave for several weeks.

“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,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

“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.

ALSO: Stormers to provide ‘a good fight’ up front

“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.”

Photo: Tyler Miller/Getty Images