Connacht have announced the appointment of former club captain John Muldoon to the coaching team on a two-year deal.

Muldoon will have responsibility for the lineout and maul, working in conjunction with Colm Tucker who will remain in charge of the scrum and breakdown.

Muldoon made an unrivalled contribution to Connacht Rugby over a 15-year career, playing a record 327 times for the club and captaining the side to the historic PRO12 Championship in 2016.

Since his retirement in 2018, he has gained notable coaching experience in a five-year period with Bristol Bears. He was first appointed as defence coach before taking on responsibility for the forwards, helping the side win a Challenge Cup in 2020 and then top spot in the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership league table.

On heading back to the province, Muldoon said: "I'm very excited to be coming back to Connacht Rugby. It’s hard to believe it’s been five years and I’m really looking forward to moving back to Galway and getting to work with the boys.

"There’s some familiar faces but a lot of new ones too, since my time there. In that regard I am excited by the blend of young talent coming through within the squad, coupled with the quality and experience of some of the more experienced guys.

"Dewald’s done an exceptional job the last two years and I want to build on that over the coming seasons.I’ve obviously been watching Connacht from afar and its clear the team have been building momentum throughout the season.

"From speaking to Pete these last couple of weeks I’m excited about his vision for where he hopes to take the team and I am delighted to be able to play my part on that journey and deliver on the level of ambition that everyone with an interest or involvement in Connacht Rugby is striving to achieve."