Connacht Rugby have announced that Scott Fardy is joining the coaching team at the Sportsground in a two year deal.
The former Leinster and international player is joining Connacht as the new defence coach for the province.
Fardy comes to the west well seasoned, having enjoyed four seasons at Leinster, which includes four Guinness PRO14 titles and a Heineken Champions Cup.
With Leinster he was also named to the PRO14 Dream Team for three consecutive seasons.
Outside of Ireland he spent five years at Super Rugby side the Brumbies, and three years at Kamaishi Seawaves in Japan.
Fardy was also an established international, making 39 appearances for Australia between 2013-2016 and started in the 2015 Rugby World Cup final.
Scott Fardy said of his appointment, that he’s very excited to be working with Connacht.
“I’ve had some great conversations with Pete and I’m looking forward to making the move and working with all the players and coaches.”
“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”
Since retiring from play in 2021, Fardy has gained gained coaching experience firstly in Japan with NEC Green Rockets, before moving back to Australia to work with his former Shute Shield club Warringah.
Connacht Head Coach Pete Wilkins said that they’re delighted to be adding him to the coaching team for the next 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.”
Scott is someone who “fits the mould” they’ve been looking for on both of those fronts, Wilkins added.
“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.”
