Eric Elwood's smooth transition from player to coach was completed yesterday when he was named Michael Bradley's Connacht assistant for next season.
Elwood and Bradley were international half-back partners on 11 occasions between 1993 and 1995, including nine straight Tests and the famous 17-3 victory over England in March 1993.
The former international outhalf brought the curtain down on a 17-year career last week as a second-half replacement in Connacht's Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to Sale. He is due to complete the level-three coaching badge next month and will take charge of the backs, with Bradley overseeing the forwards.
"There were two things that motivated the appointment," explained Connacht chief executive Gerry Kelly. "First, we didn't want to see Eric move away from Connacht, and secondly he had already been involved in the coaching set-up with the under-21s here. He has started collecting his coaching badges and has a future in the game."
Tim Allnutt remains on as manager, but Australian John McKee will not have his three-year term as assistant extended.
Shannon's former AIB League-winning coach Geoff Moylan also replaces McKee as director of rugby at Buccaneers. Moylan is working in the new Galway Clinic, so will take up the role on a part-time basis next season.
The recruitment drive continues in Connacht, with Gavin Duffy still a potential target even though he signed an extension with NEC Harlequins. If Harlequins are relegated from the English Premiership, the Ballina native has a get-out clause.
Paul Warwick did sign a two-year extension contract despite speculation in the Australian media that he is a target for the new Super 14 franchise Western Storm. Warwick will be a naturalised Irishman in two seasons, presuming the IRB laws regarding those who have played sevens rugby is lifted.
David Pusey's injury-ravaged time with Munster has ended though, as the Australian has signed for the new professional outfit in Perth. The former ACT Brumbies lock is not expected to recover from a second shoulder injury before Christmas.
When initially signed on a three-year contract, the 26-year-old made clear his Irish qualifications, but his first shoulder operation ruled him out of this year's Munster European Cup squad. On return, he damaged the other shoulder playing for Cork Constitution.
It's believed Western Storm coach John Mitchell is targeting several Northern Hemisphere-based Australians who come off contract before next year's Super 14, which also includes a new South African franchise.
"There are a lot of good players running around over here who would jump at the chance to go back home and play Super 14," said Pusey. "The Western Force has opened up this opportunity.
"While I have had a great experience playing here in Munster over the past two seasons, the chance to get back to Australia to play at the Super 14 level was just too good to refuse."
Meanwhile, an Irish squad of 26 for the two-Test tour of Japan this June will be announced on May 16th. With 11 players and coaches Eddie O'Sullivan and Mike Ford with the Lions, the tour will be an opportunity for others to make a mark.
But Ulster coach Mark McCall, who is one of stand-in coach Niall O'Donovan's assistants, is keen to see his veteran outhalf David Humphreys make the tour. "Japan would be good for him because he has not played enough rugby this year."
A warm-up match has been pencilled in for May 27th in Dublin, though not at Lansdowne Road, to give players competitive action before the Tests.
