Jackman: 'Friend could be just what Wallabies need' RTÉ rugby analyst Bernard Jackman says that Australian rugby needs a diplomatic, unifying figure who can bring warring factions together and suggested Andy Friend as … Rugby • 30 Oct
Friend's delight as underdogs Connacht march on As Andy Friend prepares to leave Irish shores, his departure date gets a welcome delay with Connacht one game away from returning to the URC … Rugby • 08 May
Carty: 'Phenomenal' breakdown work the key for Connacht Connacht captain Jack Carty hailed his team's ability to keep Ulster out of the danger zone as they secured a famous win in Belfast. Rugby • 05 May
Friend: 4G pitch a 'godsend' for Connacht style Andy Friend says Connacht's 4G pitch is a "godsend" and has enabled his side to be at their best. Rugby • 19 Apr
Friend delighted with play-off push after tough start Andy Friend admits Connacht's achievement of reaching the United Rugby Championship play-offs is especially pleasing following their winless start to the campaign. Rugby • 17 Apr
Connacht close to naming new coach Connacht Rugby will announce details of next season's coaching ticket imminently, according to Andy Friend. Rugby • 14 Feb
Jackman: Aki's Connacht situation can be resolved Bundee Aki could still be a part of the Connacht future, but a summer departure would have little impact on his legacy at the Sportsground, … Rugby • 26 Jan
Friend has 'no doubt' that Aki will remain at Connacht Connacht director of rugby Andy Friend says he has "no doubt" that Bundee Aki will be at the province next season. The Ireland international's absence … Rugby • 26 Jan
Friend not expecting more coaches to leave with Lawler Andy Friend doesn't believe there will be a major break-up of Connacht's coaching staff at the end of the season, despite Mossy Lawler announcing he … Rugby • 10 Jan
Byrne a doubt as Friend demands response from Connacht Adam Byrne looks like being the only injury doubt for Connacht ahead of Sunday's final Interpro of the season versus Leinster, but director of rugby … Rugby • 30 Dec 22
McFarland unsure of late call but glad of narrow win When John Cooney kicked a 72nd-penalty to put Ulster 22-8 up at the Sportsground, his head coach Dan McFarland felt it was the wrong call. Rugby • 23 Dec 22
Connacht pair to miss Brive trip as Hansen nears return Connacht will be without Josh Murphy and Dylan Tierney-Martin for Friday's Challenge Cup trip to Brive due to injury but Ireland wing Mack Hansen is … Rugby • 13 Dec 22
Friend: Connacht can push on again after Benetton win Connacht director of rugby Andy Friend insists his side can find another gear to improve further after their bonus-point win over Benetton at the Sportsground. Rugby • 03 Dec 22
Rowntree praises 'smart' Munster but Friend frustrated Graham Rowntree believes Munster have turned a corner after they gave their season a shot in the arm with a bonus-point victory over Connacht. Rugby • 27 Nov 22
Friend won't have role in finding Connacht successor Connacht director of rugby Andy Friend says he will not have an official role in finding his replacement ahead of his departure at the end … Rugby • 23 Nov 22
Hansen a major doubt for Connacht's clash with Munster Mack Hansen is a major doubt for Connacht's derby game at Munster on Saturday after suffering a thigh injury in Ireland's win over Australia. Rugby • 22 Nov 22
Friend confirms Connacht exit at end of season Connacht have confirmed Andy Friend will step down as director of rugby when his contract expires at the end of the season. Rugby • 14 Nov 22
Friend amazed Wallabies have not come calling for Porch Mack Hansen may have stolen the headlines with his two-try display against the Scarlets but it was the performance of fellow Connacht wing John Porch … Rugby • 24 Oct 22
Friend: There is much more to come from Connacht There was a collective sigh of relief from the Connacht coaching box as their players finished strongly to see off the Scarlets on Friday night, … Rugby • 22 Oct 22
Prendergast returns as Connacht make six changes Cian Prendergast will make just his second appearance of the season for Connacht in tomorrow's BKT United Rugby Championship visit of the Scarlets to Galway. Rugby • 20 Oct 22
Friend: Burning desire in Connacht to put things right Andy Friend said the Connacht players held "healthy meetings" on Monday morning as they attempt to turn their season around. Rugby • 17 Oct 22
Cullen: Provincial rugby is alive and well Leinster boss Leo Cullen said his side "dug in defensively" as they edged a physical interprovincial derby against Connacht to extend their winning start to … Rugby • 14 Oct 22
Andy Friend: We know we can cause Leinster problems Connacht won't be daunted by the visit of Leinster to the Sportsground tomorrow, according to director of rugby Andy Friend. Rugby • 13 Oct 22
Rowntree bemoans 'ill-disciplined' final quarter Graham Rowntree said Munster were architects of their own downfall once again as they crashed to a disappointing loss against Connacht in Galway. Rugby • 08 Oct 22
Connacht seeking home comforts in 'emotional' derby After three tough defeats on the road, Connacht are targeting a pitch-perfect performance in Friday's derby against Munster. Rugby • 05 Oct 22
