Michael Bradley has admitted to not achieving consistency during his time as Director of Rugby at Connacht but said he hoped to finish his tenure with the province on a high.
Bradley, who coached Cork Constitution to AIB All-Ireland League success in 1999 and took charge of the Ireland international squad during last summer's tour of the Southern Hemisphere, is to leave his post at the end of this season, bringing to an end a seven-year reign.
He said: ‘I am grateful for the support I have received from CEO Gerry Kelly, the coaches, office staff and particular the players since arriving here in 2003.
‘Whilst not achieving the consistency in performance that all Directors of Rugby crave, Connacht has had some fantastic nights especially in the Sportsground and these are great memories.
Bradley, 46, paid tribute to the province's supporters, and added that he hoped Connacht could finally achieve their long-standing goal of finishing third-highest of the Irish provinces in the Magners League this season, which would mean they would get a place in the Heineken Cup.
‘I would also like pay a special thanks to the Connacht supporters. They are an inspiration to our team and long may it continue.
‘To the current squad there is a lot of rugby to be played this season. To qualify for the Heineken Cup would be a great way to sign off.’
Connacht are currently bottom of the Magners League with two wins from seven and one bonus point. Leinster, the leaders, Ulster and Munster, are all currently in the top half.
Gerry Kelly, Connacht CEO, said Bradley had helped the province make significant progress and that the decision had been announced to give the province time to find a replacement, and to allow Bradley time to consider his own future.
He said: ‘Michael has done tremendous work since coming here. It has been a huge benefit to Connacht to have a coach in charge who has coached the Irish U-20s, Ireland A and the Irish senior side for the tour of New Zealand and Australia last year.
‘Connacht Rugby has made huge strides since the advent of the professional era and Michael Bradley has led that progress for the past seven years. The number of players who have come through and gone to play at the highest level is testimony to that great work.
‘It is now time for a change and we are making the announcement at this time to allow us time to find a replacement and to allow Michael ample time to weigh up his own options.
‘I would like to pay tribute to Michael Bradley for all he has done for Connacht Rugby and wish him well in his career, and I look forward to continue to work with him for the remainder of this season.’
Among those in the race to succeed Bradley are Eric Elwood, the current assistant coach. Cork Con coach Brian Walsh is also considered a contender for a role with the province.
