Elwood returns as Connacht Domestic Rugby Manager

Not sure if it's good or bad news. Hope Lam doesnt think he is being undermined

www.connachtrugby.ie/#ConnachtNews

Eric Elwood appointed Connacht Domestic Rugby Manager
18th December 2014

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU are delighted to announce that former Head Coach Eric Elwood has been appointed to the role of Domestic Rugby Manager for the province.

Elwood, who played outhalf for Connacht and Ireland, held the position of Head Coach from 2010 – 2013 having previously been assistant coach to Michael Bradley. Elwood represented Connacht 168 times as a player and won 35 caps for his country, appearing in two Rugby World Cups.

The Galway native, who has been working with pharmaceuticals company Omega Pharma for the past year, will take up the new role at the Sportsground in January 2015.

Commenting on the appointment, Connacht Rugby CEO Willie Ruane said:

“This is fantastic news for Connacht Rugby. Domestic Rugby is an area we identified as vital in moving the province forward. Eric will be responsible for growing the game of rugby across the entire province from grass roots level. He is someone with huge knowledge and passion for the game and for Connacht Rugby in particular and we are delighted to have him back involved in the organisation.”

IRFU Director of Rugby Development & the Club Game Scott Walker added:

“Eric brings to the role his experiences as a player and coach which spanned the transition of the game from the amateur to professional era. His insight into the importance of the club and school game will see him lead and drive the development of it for the benefit of Irish and Connacht Rugby.“

Eric Elwood said:

“I’m really looking forward to starting in this new role in the New Year. It will certainly be different for me but that is what excites me about it. Connacht Rugby has been a huge part of my life and I have always understood the importance of the domestic game in the future of Connacht Rugby as a whole. I am looking forward to working with Willie and everyone in the domestic game in what is a truly exciting period for rugby in the West of Ireland.”

It's a perfect role for Eric and Connacht. He spreads the word to the grassroots around the province without the stresses and strains of the top job and what better man for Connacht to have as an ambassador to young aspiring rugby players. Delighted with this, great for both parties.

Not sure if it's good or bad news. Hope Lam doesnt think he is being undermined

Can't imagine them not running this past Lam so wouldn't be worried at all. Glad to have EE back in the fold.

Glad to have Eric back involved with Connacht

Great to hear Eric is back involved with Connacht rugby. Hoped he wouldn't be away long and I think this position will suit him well.

Obviously did not like the job in the real world !

However, delighted to have him back, no one better for that role for sure. Hope that Pat is ok with it.

EE has taken up an existing role which was recently vacated so there is zero danger of undermining Pat I would of thought.

Cory Brown was formerly in the role, appointed early 2012 so the role actually pre-dates Pat's time here.

www.sligorfc.ie/2012/02/01/cory-brown-co...development-officer/

www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/6...ing-otago-rugby-well

Hopefully we'll get confirmation of Mr Lam's recently discussed 2 year contract extension soon.

pcoyle wrote: IMF
EE Is moving into an existing role but it was not vacated by Cory..The role is Domestic Games Manager.

Sorry, I obviously got my wires crossed, but could have sworn I read Brown and Elwood’s job descriptions were really similar.

Out of interest do you know who Eric's predecessor was?