Former Wallaby and Leinster star Scott Fardy will return to Ireland, this time as defence coach for Connacht. 

Having spent four seasons with Leinster, Fardy is familiar with the Irish Rugby structures and will look to bring some of the insight he gained whilst in Dublin to Galway. 

Speaking on Fardy’s appointment, incoming head coach Peter Wilkins said: “I’m delighted to be adding Scott to the Connacht coaching team for the 2023/24 season and beyond. 

“When we began the recruitment process for a new defence coach, it was important to identify someone with experience of professional rugby at the very highest level, but also a person with the qualities that we want to see in a Connacht Rugby team in the years ahead. In Scott, we have recruited someone who absolutely fits that mould on both fronts. 

"I’m looking forward to working with them and doing my bit to help them go from strength to strength”

🗣️Scott Fardy on joining the Connacht coaching team next season

Read more here 👉 https://t.co/neDCWbUNsl#ConnachtRugby pic.twitter.com/zLeKCpW5iQ

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) April 17, 2023

“His playing career speaks for itself, and when you chat to anyone who has shared a pitch with him, more often than not, the first thing they highlight are his leadership skills and his ability to inspire those around him. 

“Scott understands what it takes to develop a relentless and winning mindset, and with his thorough knowledge of the Irish rugby landscape, is really motivated to help Connacht reach the next level. 

“These attributes will be a huge benefit to the club and us as a coaching team, and I’m sure the players will be massively excited to learn from and work with Scott in the years ahead.” 

Fardy has said the opportunity to return to Ireland is one that excites both him and his family: “I’m very excited to be joining the coaching team in Connacht. I have had some great conversations with Pete and I’m looking forward to making the move and working with all the players and coaches,” Fardy said. 

“My wife and I loved our time in Ireland. Both our boys were born there and it feels like home for us, so the move makes perfect sense for us. I’m also very excited to be coaching in the URC and Europe, which are such challenging and diverse competitions. 

“There’s a lot of great young talent in the Connacht squad, coupled with some really experienced players. I’m looking forward to working with them and doing my bit to help them go from strength to strength.”