Nigel Carolan and Jimmy Duffy on Connacht's coaching staff next season

New Connacht coach Kieran Keane has confirmed Nigel Carolan and Jimmy Duffy will be part of his backroom staff next season.

Duffy has been forwards coach for the last two seasons after a spell as Elite Player Development Officer while Carolan has been Connacht's rugby academy manager since 2004.

Carolan was also Ireland U20 head coach and will step down from that role, with Munster's Peter Malone taking over ahead of the World Rugby U20 Championships in June.

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Connacht chief executive Willie Ruane said: "We are delighted that both Nigel and Jimmy will be part of the new-look coaching team under Kieran Keane.

"The fact that both are local coaches who have come through the Connacht system is a massive positive for the club and further illustrates our vision of Grassroots to Green Shirts.

"Jimmy is well established within the backroom team after two seasons as Forwards Coach and Nigel brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the game from his time as Connacht Academy Manager and Ireland U20's head coach.

"We are currently in the process of finalising the full makeup of the backroom team and we hope to have further news in the coming weeks."

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