Andy joins Stephen and Westy for a good old chat, about early days working with Eddie Jones, to being a head coach in Japan, going to the Olympics, and finally getting to Connacht. They also chatted about this season for Connacht and get his views on what has been an up and down year.

Luke Carty on his move to join the LA Giltinis

Luke Carty joined the lads to chat about his upcoming move to Los Angeles to play for the MLR’s newest team, the Giltinis. They also chatted about his time with Connacht and what he expects from his new life in Venice Beach.

The post Video Interview with Connacht Rugby Coach Andy Friend appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Friend is in his third season at the province, having joined in the summer of 2018 following Head Coach roles in Australia, England and Japan and finally as Head Coach of the Australian Sevens side.

In his first campaign Connacht reached the Guinness PRO14 playoffs, ensuring Heineken Champions Cup qualification in the process. Back-to-back Champions Cup qualification was secured during the shortened 2019/20 season, and the side currently sit in 2nd place in Conference B of this season’s campaign.

Friend has also fully embraced Connacht Rugby’s commitment to the development of players coming through our grassroots system, handing professional debuts to 15 Connacht Academy players in less than three years.

Commenting on today’s announcement, CEO of Connacht Rugby Willie Ruane says Friend’s decision to remain at the club is a big boost for the organisation:

“Everyone at Connacht Rugby has been really impressed by what Andy has brought to the province in his three seasons here. He has bought into everything we are trying to achieve and brings a positive culture and ethos to the entire organisation. Whilst Andy has been instrumental in helping our existing players become better players, he has also given our Academy players the opportunities to impress and in doing so enabled us to build the depth we require to succeed”.

Andy Friend says he’s thrilled to continue his role with Connacht Rugby:

“Ever since my wife and I moved to the West of Ireland I have been blown away by both the welcome we have received from the people here, as well as the pride they have for their province and for Connacht Rugby. It has been a really enjoyable time for both of us and it was an easy decision to commit to a further two years.

There’s a hugely exciting few years ahead for Connacht, both on the field with the squad we have and off the field with the redevelopment of The Sportsground. I want to play my part in the next stage of this journey and I will do all I can to build on the progress we have made to-date and ensure we deliver on the real potential that exists within this group.”

The post Andy Friend signs contract until June 2023 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Australian is coming up to two years now living in Ireland. Friend has a bit to go in terms of the successes achieved by Pat Lam and John Muldoon. However, he is putting his own stamp on things out West. However, he guided them to a Pro 14 final last season only to lose out. The men from the West were going quite well until the virus struck but Friend remains upbeat and says he loves the city of Galway and the people.

Speaking to Sean Holley he said,  “What struck Kerri – my wife – and I is that when we came across to Connacht to meet with them, I was so impressed by the people we met,”. He continued, “Galway is a brilliant city; it has a heartbeat of its own and it is a great place to enjoy yourself.”

He went on to say he always had a love for Galway. When he came to Galway in 2007 with Harlequins he said” It was a tough experience but that there was a real spirit and the blokes played played some footie we weren’t expecting”.

Friend was asked what directives he gave his players once he knew that training and games wouldn’t be played once the coronavirus landed on our shores. Friend said, “When we went into this, we said there were three big things for us as a squad that we really wanted to focus in on,”. He said number 1, was to do whatever you need to do to keep you and your family, number 2 was stay connected, while number 3 was to come back better at something. He said this could be anything from a better husband, reader or anything along as you were better at it.

Friend was asked about his time working with Eddie Jones at the Brumbies. He said, “In order to get on with Eddie, at one stage you have to stand for something”. He continued, “We had our moment 12-18 months into our relationship but now knowing him for over 20 years he was basically challenging my thoughts. However, he stated that Jones has been a terrific mentor for and he owes him, “Eddie has a great way of testing people and ever since that moment he has been a brilliant mentor to me and a great friend. I owe him a lot.”

GALWAY IS A GREAT CITY

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