THE IMPENDING vacancy in Connacht for the position as head coach next season has already attracted a high calibre of interest from around the world, according to their chief executive Tom Sears.
Applications for the position to succeed Eric Elwood will close on December 1st, after which a four-man interview panel comprising Sears, two members of the Connacht Professional Games Board, Conor McGuinness and Steve Cunningham, along with a representative from the IRFU, who is yet to be decided upon.
“The timeline is applications close on December 1st,” said Sears yesterday. “We’ll . . . conduct a shortlist of interviews in early January, before hopefully appoint by the end of January. It . . . gives us a chance to have a look at who’s doing what around the world of rugby. We’ve had a hell of a lot of interest, including from well-known coaches.”
Connacht Eagles host the unbeaten leaders of the Championship, Newcastle Falcons, in their first match at their new home in the British Irish Cup on Friday night, before Eric Elwood’s team face the English champions, Harlequins, at the Sportsground on Saturday night. About 6,500-7,000 of the 8,200 capacity have been sold with tickets available from Ticketmaster and usual outlets.
With a low take-up from Edinburgh for the early Sunday kick-off at Thomond Park, tickets are also available for Munster’s tie against Michael Bradley’s team.
