Conor McPhillips Set To Join As Assistant Coach

The 36 year-old – who arrives from Connacht – links up again with Pat Lam at Bristol Rugby.

A stalwart of Connacht, McPhillips played for the province between 2003 and 2008, before joining initially as Head of Performance Analysis and then graduating into the coaching set up.

At the start of the 2015/2016 season, Lam appointed McPhillips as Assistant Attack Coach, helping the Irish Province to become Pro12 Champions. Connacht proved to be one of the most exciting and dangerous attacking teams attack in the Northern hemisphere during the campaign. The following season, McPhillips took on the added role as Backs Coach.

“Conor is an excellent young coach with a detailed knowledge of the game. He understands Pat’s rugby philosophy and the way that he wants to play the game,” said Head Coach Mark Tainton.

“It’s important for Pat to build a coaching team around him of people that he not only trusts, but that he believes can help to build a strong culture and take Bristol Rugby forward.

“Conor has overseen great improvements in the Connacht backline and we’re looking forward to seeing him replicate that success with our young, talented players.”

McPhillips had previous coaching experience with St Marys RFC in Dublin as well as a Director of Rugby role with Newbridge College in Co. Kildare.

He added: “It’s an exciting new chapter for me and my family to come to Bristol and contribute to the Club’s vision going forward.

“I have a close relationship with Pat [Lam] and enjoy being part of an environment that inspires confidence and belief in individuals to become better players and better people.

“Bristol have an exciting array of talent in their squad and I’m relishing the opportunity to work with them.

“Connacht has been a very special place to me for the last 15 years. Working with the province as both a player and as a coach has been hugely rewarding and I will take a lot of great memories with me.”