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Eric Elwood has confirmed he will be leaving Connacht at the end of the season. INPHO/James Crombie
Interview

Eric Elwood: 'The fact that I've been up front and honest can be a positive'

The departing coach says it was “time for a change” at Connacht.

ERIC ELWOOD BELIEVES Connacht can go from strength to strength despite the announcement that he is to leave the province at the end of this season.

“The fact that I’ve been up front and honest can be a positive and we’ll use it as a positive,” Elwood told RTE’s Sport at 7 programme.

“I made the announcement for the respect I have for Tom [Sears] and the respect I have with the players… I could easily have lived a lie for the next few months.

“The fact that I’ve been up front and honest can be a positive and we’ll use it as a positive.”

Elwood elaborated on his reasons for leaving, saying that the numerous seasons he spent at Connacht as a head coach, an assistant coach and a player meant it was “time for a change,” and the ex-Ireland international added that he had “given up a lot of time in the last 25 years”.

Elwood revealed that he made the decision following extensive consultation with his family, saying that “the most important thing in my life is my wife and kids”.

He also hinted that the pressure of being in the position took its toll.

“When you’re assistant coach you have to look after one area, but when you’re head coach, [it's] many areas.

“I need a break initially, and I’m looking forward to that break and seeing what’s ahead.”

He said the decision made him “happier” and added that most people who knew him accepted it.

“To be fair, not many of them challenged me,” he explained. “They know it’s right for me.”

He said that Connacht had “made good strides” in recent times, and expressed hope that he could “leave a strong legacy behind him”.

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