Connacht have confirmed that Pete Wilkins will be the province's head coach for the next three seasons.
London-born Wilkins, 44, has been fulfilling the role on an interim basis following Andy Friend's move to director of rugby last summer.
Friend is leaving the westerners at the end of the season and, after Connacht interviewed a number of candidates, Wilkins was chosen for the head coach role on a permanent basis, with an announcement on his coaching team to come in the next few weeks.
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Wilkins has been at Connacht since 2017. He was defence coach for four seasons before earning a promotion to senior coach with responsibility for attack in the summer of 2021.
He also joined the Ireland coaching team for last summer's tour of New Zealand. Prior to joining Connacht, Wilkins worked as a coach with Edinburgh and Queensland Reds.
After a slow start this season, the westerners are currently in the top eight of the URC and in position to qualify for the play-offs, while they have also qualified for the last 16 of the Challenge Cup.
"I am thrilled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Connacht Rugby for the next three seasons, and to lead this talented group of players and backroom staff," said Wilkins.
"In my six years here I’ve come to appreciate what a special province this is - not just the people within the organisation but the wider supporter base and volunteers in the clubs and schools who help make rugby in Connacht what it is today.
"In that regard I’m thankful to Connacht Rugby and the IRFU for entrusting me with the task of leading the professional setup during what will be a very exciting time on and off the field.
"For now however, my focus is solely on this season and making sure we have a strong finish in the URC and Challenge Cup. I know we can count on our incredible supporters for some vital games in the coming weeks and months.
"I can assure everyone that we will be doing everything in our power to cap off the great work of Andy during his time here, and to then further build on that, during my tenure at the helm of Connacht Rugby."
David Nucifora, performance director of the IRFU commented: "Pete has invested five years getting to know the strengths of Connacht Rugby and the opportunities that exist within the Irish system.
"The investment of Pete spending time with the national coaching team on the New Zealand tour last summer was invaluable as part of his development and progression into the head coach role.
"He now has the opportunity to shape the next evolution of pro rugby at Connacht."
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