John Muldoon to rejoin Connacht as Forwards Coach

Muldoon, who made 320 appearances for Connacht before joining the Bears as Defence Coach in 2018, returns to his hometown club as Forwards Coach ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The 40-year-old was appointed Forwards Coach at the Bears in 2020, helping the club to a maiden European title and a first-place finish in the Gallagher Premiership.

Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “When I arrived in Connacht in 2013 and began working with Mul as my captain, it was clear to me that he would be an excellent coach when his playing days were over and in years to come with his passion and love for his home province a possible great homegrown Head Coach for Connacht Rugby.”

“Originally the plan was to join me at Connacht but after moving to Bristol, I was able to bring him into our coaching team in 2018 for his first coaching role. After five years of experience in the Premiership working and developing players from all over the world, I am so pleased he now returns home as an established Forwards Coach.

“I know all too well how highly respected and regarded he is in Connacht, and I believe he will continue to grow and learn under Head Coach Pete Wilkins and he will add real value to the players, staff and supporters of Connacht.

“Mul has made a significant impact during his time with the Bears and we’re grateful to him for his hard work and commitment for the last five years. We wish him and Lorna and their young boys Scottie, Lucas and Robbie all the very best for their next exciting chapter back home in Galway.”

Muldoon added: “I’m hugely grateful to Pat and the Lansdown family for giving me the opportunity to begin my coaching career. I’ve learned so much during my time with the Bears and have met some incredible people along the way.

“We’ve built our family over here and built some strong relationships on and off the field. I’m excited about what the future holds but there’s obviously a tinge of sadness around leaving the Bears.

“I’m looking forward to signing off my time here with a strong finish to the season.”