Continuity will be key at the Sportsgrounds as the coaching staff changes hands, writes John O’Sullivan
The gaze of the rugby world has been firmly, and rightly, focused on the enthralling opening weekend of the Six Nations - this, however, doesn't mean that club sides halt their preparation for next season.
On the contrary, Connacht have been busy moulding their backroom team which will work under Pat Lam next season. Indeed, much respected defence coach Mike Forshaw (above pic) will stay with the Westerners to the end of the current campaign, at which point he will be replaced. A highly respected coach, Forshaw made his name in rugby league as both a player and coach, particularly with the Wigan Warriors.
In other green and black news, assistant coach and former Connacht prop Dan McFarland will stay on as Pat Lam’s assistant next season. It is crucial that Connacht, retain a homegrown nucleus within their coaching set up, and McFarland offers a vast knowledge of the players currently in the Connacht squad, which will, undoubtedly, benefit the new coach. While not actually hailing from the region himself, McFarland has assimilated brilliantly into the club and the area, beginning as a player between 2000-2006, then as forwards coach and finally now assistant coach.
Pat Lam will bring a fresh impetus and direction to Connacht, but the continuity that McFarland brings is just as important. The former prop has been an integral part of the province for thirteen years and, aside from Eric Elwood, is the best qualified pair of eyes in Connacht rugby. McFarland appreciates Connacht's history, albeit modest, and thus knows exactly what the men in green need to do to keep progressing. Lam and McFarland could be a coaching dream team.
I’m John O’Sullivan, 20. Part time student, full time sports nut. Love rugby and am currently the PRO of Connemara RFC. I also do some radio work for my local station. One day, I would love to be a Sports Journalist/Broadcaster.
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