Galway journalist John Fallon has been appointed manager of Connacht and has taken a year's leave of absence from the Connacht Tribune to pursue his responsibilities with the team. The 37-year-old has worked with the provincial weekly newspaper for 18 years but has been given a year's sabbatical to look after team duties, while he will also take responsibility for developing and implementing a marketing strategy for the province.
Connacht made significant improvements last year under the stewardship of South African Director of Coaching Steph Nel, and although they again suffered poor results in the Guinness Inter-Provincials, their impressive performances in the Celtic League and Parker Pen Shield earned them praise throughout Europe. Quarter-finalists in the Celtic League (which included victories away to Cardiff and Newport) and defeat to eventual Shield winners Sale Sharks were indications of how far Connacht have come, and it will be Fallon's aim to build on that and bring them up the level of their more illustrious Irish contemporaries Munster, Ulster and Leinster.
Nel will continue in his role as coach alongside Fallon, who will inherit a talented squad which will be bolstered by the recent success of the Under-21s, conquerors of all three provincial rivals last season. Fallon, speaking on the Connacht website, www.connachtrugby.ie, said: "This is a very exciting time for Connacht rugby. Massive strides have been made on the pitch, with the excellent work at youth level starting to yield big dividends such as the U-21 interpro success last year when Connacht defeated all three other provinces. Off the field there are also exciting developments. A new headquarters for Connacht rugby is being developed at the Sportsground and this should be open by October. The redevelopment work there will also include a superb new stand."
Filed by Shane Murray
