Pete Wilkins has stepped down as head coach of Connacht Rugby effective immediately after an eight-year run with the team. Scrum coach Cullie Tucker will take over for the rest of the season. Wilkins had missed the last four games, with the club previously saying he was on “sick leave, but both Connacht and the IRFU have now confirmed his departure. Connacht Shakeup: Wilkins Steps Down.
In his statement, Wilkins shared, It is with a heavy heart that I announce my departure from Connacht Rugby – the club and province I’ve been proud to call home for the last eight years. There were rumors about his future, with talks suggesting he might return as the defence coach next season, a role he held from 2017 to 2022 under coaches Kieran Keane and Andy Friend. Conn.acht Shakeup: Wilkins Steps Down
Instead, Wilkins decided to leave completely. He felt privileged to lead the rugby program but realized he was drifting away from the parts of coaching he enjoys the most. “It’s best for the club, myself, and my family that I step away now,” he said. “This gives the team clarity for the rest of the season and allows me to focus on getting back to full health before my next challenge.”
Wilkins became head coach in 2022 and took full control of the team in 2023 after Andy Friend left. His time in charge has had its ups and downs. His first season started strong with three wins but ended with the team finishing 11th. This season has been tough, too, with weak defense and inconsistent play putting Connacht in 13th place with four games left.
He’s the second provincial head coach to leave this season, following Graham Rowntree’s exit from Munster in October. Moving forward, Cullie Tucker will stay in charge until the end of the season, while Australian coach Rod Seib—currently with the Brumbies—is rumored to be the likely successor. Connacht has also brought in Billy Millard, another Australian, as their new general manager.
Connacht Rugby’s CEO Willie Ruane expressed his gratitude for Wilkins’ contributions, stating, “Today is a sad day for everyone at Connacht Rugby. For the last eight years, Pete has been a colleague and a friend to us all.” Ruane noted Wilkins’ growth from defence coach to head coach, praising his impressive win rate and his role in securing Connacht’s top seeding in the EPCR Challenge Cup. He added, “We fully support his decision and wish him, his wife Sarah, and his sons Harry and Oscar all the best in the future.”
