Connacht have appointed former Great Britian rugby league player Mike Forshaw as defence coach.
The 40-year old will join Connacht for the new season after a career which also included a spell in rugby union for Saracens.
Team manager Tim Allnutt said that the appointment of Forshaw was a big boost ahead of the new season.
Forshaw joins Connacht from Wigan Warriors where he has been strength and conditioning coach for the past few years.
He played for Wigan Warriors, Wakefield Trinity, Bradford Bulls and Warrington Wolves during his career.
CONNACHT MANAGEMENT 2010/11
Director of Coaching: Eric Elwood
Team Manager: Tim Allnutt
Asistant Coach: Dan McFarland
Backs Coach: Brian Melrose
Defence Coach: Mike Forshaw
Video Analyst: Conor McPhillips