Connacht have confirmed the appointment of Gerard Mullen to their coaching ticket for next season.
The Kildare native will join as backs coach, replacing current attack coach Rod Seib, who is set to depart after just one season.
Mullen, grandson of former Ireland international and British and Irish Lions captain Karl Mullen, has spent the last six years with Harlequins, where he has filled a number of roles on their men's and women’s teams.
In 2021, the former age-grade Leinster player was head coach of Quins’ women’s team as they won the Premiership title in his first season in charge.
He then moved to the lead attack and backs coach in the men’s academy and transition space before joining the senior coaching team in 2023.
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Prior to his move to London he spent six years at Loughborough University, where he was credited with the development of several future international stars.
"We are delighted to welcome Gerard to join our team for next season," head coach Stuart Lancaster said.
"I am certain he will bring a huge amount of quality and enthusiasm to the role. In what was a really competitive interview process he proved his ability to show great alignment with the vision we have for the team moving forward.
"He has a great balance of knowledge of the Irish system and also broad experiences outside of Ireland, which I am sure will benefit all the players in our squad next season."
Mullen is the second confirmed addition to the province’s coaching ticket for next season, with former England international Trevor Woodman set to succeed Colm Tucker (above) as scrum coach, following Tucker’s decision to take charge of Ireland’s Under-20 side next season.
The province have also confirmed that loosehead prop Billy Bohan will step up from their academy to a senior contract for next season.
The 20-year-old has signed a three-year contract with Connacht, having become a first-team regular this season, making 13 appearances in all competitions, leading to a call-up to the Ireland squad for the 2026 Guinness Six Nations.
Bohan becomes the fourth player to graduate from the academy to the professional ranks this year, alongside Fiachna Barrett, Sean Naughton, and Matthew Victory.
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