Connacht have confirmed that Mark Sexton will leave the province at the end of the season, with the attack coach believed to be joining Ulster.
Sexton, younger brother of former Ireland captain Johnny, has been at the province since 2021, and is in his second season as part of the senior coaching team at Dexcom Stadium.
"It's professional sport and unfortunately coaches do move on from time to time," Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins said.
"Mark has had four years here, he started in the academy with that development officer role, did a terrific job and did well enough that I was keen to bring him up to the pro setup. He’s done a really good job since then taking on more responsibility this year around the backs and the attack. I’ve been really pleased with it. I’ve enjoyed working with him, and we have a good relationship.
"It’s a shame that he wants to move on but that’s people’s stage of life, it’s professional sport and it’s one of those things that we’ll look to fill that role and tweak the coaching group moving into next year."
Sexton has been tipped to move north to Ulster where he will reunite with Richie Murphy (below).
The pair previously worked together with the Ireland U20s, winning back-to-back Grand Slams in 2022 and 2023.
Prior to joining Connacht's senior coaching staff, Sexton had been an elite player development officer at the province since 2021.
Wilkins has also moved to dampen rumours of another potential departure in his coaching staff.
The Irish Independent have reported that scrum coach Cullie Tucker could be set for a return to his native Munster next season.
"I'm not aware of anyone else going, so if there is, there is always rumours around coaches and players. It’s part of the excitement of professional sport.
"There’s nothing I’m aware of and hiding or nothing to report officially either, I can assure you of that," he added.
In better news for Connacht, Ben Murphy (above) and Paul Boyle have signed contract extensions at the province.
Murphy joined from Leinster on a one-year deal last summer, but the scrum-half has been a key player already for Pete Wilkins's side, with his deal extended by a further 12 months.
Boyle has agreed a two-year deal, keeping him in Galway until the summer of 2027.
The 28-year-old back row has been one of the province's most consistent performers this season, playing in 10 of their 11 games in all competitions, scoring four tries.
