IN A MOVE that will not shock many associated with the province, Scottish outhalf Dan Parks is to become the Connacht U18 backs coach for the coming season.
The Australian-born player, who joined Connacht last summer and earned 66 Scotland caps in his playing career, was confirmed as the club’s schools and clubs coach. He has already taken his first training session with the next generation of Connacht stars.
Parks will combine the role with that of first-choice outhalf at Connacht and the backs coach of the youth squad. That role in the senior squad has been taken by Dave Ellis. He takes over from Billy Millard, who oversaw the backline under former head coach Eric Elwood.
Speaking about Parks’ growing influence on the team last season, Millard told TheScore.ie, “You don’t play 66 Test matches and season after season in the Heineken Cup without being a proven match winner and a consistent performer.”
Coach Development Manager, Eamonn Molloy said, “Connacht’s coach succession planning has been very beneficial with both Eric Elwood and Dan McFarland beginning their coaching careers with our age grade teams.
“Dan has a wealth of knowledge and experience which gives him an excellent foundation to his coaching career.”
Molloy and Parks will be joined by Ambrose Conboy in readying the U18 side for the upcoming season. Last year’s batch were narrowly beaten by Leinster in the final of last season’s club inter-pros.
