🟢 Galway Bay Rugby Welcomes Connacht’s New Coaching Team

Everyone at Galway Bay Rugby would like to warmly welcome Stuart Lancaster, Billy Millard, and Rod Seib to the West of Ireland, following their appointments to the Connacht Rugby professional coaching team.

We’re incredibly proud to support rugby at every level in Connacht, and it’s exciting to see such experienced and respected figures take up key roles within the province. The appointments mark an ambitious new chapter as Connacht continues to build for long-term success — both on and off the pitch.

Stuart Lancaster joins as Head Coach, also taking on responsibility for defence. He brings with him a wealth of experience at international and European club level, having led England for four Six Nations campaigns and then helped shape Leinster’s golden era with four PRO14 titles and a Champions Cup win. Most recently, he served as Head Coach at Racing 92 in France’s Top 14.

He is joined by Billy Millard, Connacht’s new General Manager of Performance, and Rod Seib, who will lead the province’s attack. Together, they form a world-class coaching group that aligns perfectly with Connacht’s identity and ambition.

At the same time, we want to take a moment to recognise and thank Pete Wilkins for his incredible contribution to Connacht Rugby. Pete’s connection to Galway Bay Rugby is a special one, with his children playing at the club and his support at grassroots level always deeply appreciated.

Pete’s presence on the sidelines and his openness with players, coaches, and families made a lasting impression, and we wish him every success in the next phase of his career — he will always be welcome at Galway Bay.

Looking ahead, we hope to welcome Stuart, Billy, and Rod to one of our training sessions or match days soon.

The door is always open here at Galway Bay Rugby. We know our players — especially our younger ones — would be inspired to see the faces behind Connacht’s vision for the future. That connection between professional and grassroots rugby is what keeps the game growing in the West.

Here’s to fresh energy, shared values, and what we hope will be a successful and exciting chapter for Connacht Rugby. 💚🏉