John Dobson & Andy Friend linked with Connacht job - Reports

According to The42.ie, Connacht have identified Western Province Currie Cup-winning coach John Dobson and former Australian Sevens coach Andy Friend as potential replacements for their vacant head coach position.

Dobson coached Western Province to the 2017 Currie Cup title which has helped enhance his reputation as one of the most promising young coaches in South Africa. 

He remains contracted to WP Rugby for another three years until 2020, but it is believed his deal has an excit clause that would allow him depart for the Sportsground.

With Stormers coach Robbie Fleck currently under pressure with his side struggling at the bottom of the South African conference, Dobson could possibly emerge as a potential replacement should the Cape Town-based franchise part ways with their current boss. 

Australian coach Friend was recently among the final few names Ulster considered for their head coach position, although the Irish province agreed a deal with Dan McFarland to take over following his commitments with the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU).

Friend, a former fullback in his playing days, first coached as an assistant at the Waratahs and the Brumbies, also worked with Wallabies boss Eddie Jones on an advisory basis before and during the 2003 World Cup.

He subsequently held head coach positions at Japanese clubs Canon Eagles and Suntory Goliath, before taking on a role as Australia’s Men’s 7s coach in 2016.