Connacht have confirmed that forwards coach Jimmy Duffy will depart the province at the end of the season.
The news comes a week after attack coach Nigel Carolan is to step down at the end of the season.
Duffy has held the role of forwards coach since June 2015 and was part of the coaching team that oversaw the successful Guinness Pro12-winning campaign of 2015/16. Before his appointment he served as elite player development officer with the Connacht Academy and as coach development officer working across the game at grassroots level.
On his decision to step away now, Duffy told the Connacht website spoke about a desire to further his development as a coach.
""This has been a tough decision for me and my family, but I feel it's the right one as I look to progress my coaching career," Duffy said.
"Connacht Rugby has been a major part of my life stretching over 25 years, so it was never going to be easy when the day comes to move on. I feel now is the time for me to stretch myself and further my development as a coach.
"I cannot begin to thank everyone at Connacht Rugby enough for all they have done for me during my association with the club. It’s a great organisation with a bright future, and I leave at the end of the season firmly in the belief that even better days are ahead.
"I’d particularly like to thank Andy Friend and Willie Ruane for their constant understanding and support as I made my decision, as well as all the staff, players and supporters. I look forward to watching the club develop even further in the years ahead."
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