Dewald Senekal appointed new Connacht Rugby Forwards Coach

Connacht Rugby have confirmed Dewald Senekal will join the province as Forwards Coach from the beginning of the 2021-22 season.

Senekal arrives with extensive coaching experience, most recently serving as Forwards Coach for Stade Francais in the Top 14 after taking over from Paul O’Connell in the role. From 2017-2019 he was Joint Head Coach of Grenoble, leading them to promotion from Pro D2 to the Top 14 in his first season.

 
The 40 year old South African began his coaching career in 2015 as Forwards Coach of Bayonne where he finished a long playing career. He also played for French sides Toulon and Agen, and South African sides the Cheetahs and Lions.

 
Following today’s announcement, Head Coach Andy Friend says:
 
“Following an extensive recruitment process, we are delighted to announce Dewald’s appointment to the Connacht coaching team. He is an extremely impressive individual who will add a lot to the setup, as well as providing a fresh pair of eyes and new ideas. I know the players will really enjoy working with him and the coaches likewise.
 
Our coaching team is now complete with Dewald joining Pete, Mossy, Cullie and myself for the next two years, and we feel very optimistic about what we can achieve both as a group and in the club."