EOS was knocking around the sportsground about a month ago. He was watching the American college team v 20s. May have been there with US connections etc. but anything is possible. He got turned down for the Edinburgh job last year, he'll be looking to get back on the horse anyway. Wouldn't be surprised to see him coaching Connacht.

The dream = sugar daddy+o'shea! :silly:

while i did not rate EE as a coach there were other attributes that he brought that were out of the top drawer. I would hope after some reflection he would stay and they would make him a place at Connacht rugby as his knowledge and passion for Connacht would bring us backers from the corporate world and he would be excellent in driving the club and getting the sportsground improvements continued.

As for EOS, I certainly hope not he has not been forgiven for his back stabbing of Gatland and how many times did he grace us with his presence at the sportsground when he was Irish coach, not once at least Kidney knows we are here.

Well, At least Eric seems to have made this decision himself. Im sorry to see his time in charge come to an end like this. I'd have liked to have seen him experience a few great nights like last week and the Harlequins game. No person imho represents Connacht more than Eric. His given so much over the years. His dedication was never questioned.
His reign had to end sometime and Im glad it was by his choice.
Best of luck and good health to him and his family.
I'd say he will continue to follow the team and support them as always.

It's been said many times already, but Eric is a Connacht legend, and always will be. He's given more than any other individual to further the cause, and he should (and will) be applauded.

Having said that, I think when people get past the emotion/shock, they might realise that this is a good thing, potentially at least. For many reasons, Eric is likely to do everything in his power to ensure this season is his best yet. The early announcement give us time to find someone good to replace him, and when we do, that person will (hopefully) bring a fresh outlook to the role.

Finally, I would be surprised if May sees the end of Erics career with Connacht - he'll be back in some capacity in the future, I'm sure of it.

Thats good news.....second hand info coming across the pond.

EOS's name is always the first mentioned any time there's a vacancy, either by him courting attention or lazy journalists who can't think of something original. In this case so far it's the latter.

Anyone who told you he's already in place is telling porkies.

I am gutted about this news but Eric has to do whats best for him. A bigger disappointment is that supposedly his successor is in place and its Eddie O'Sullivan!!?!

Oh well. RTE, IT and Independent all carrying it now.

I was in a small state of shock yesterday, but I can only admire Eric even more for his honesty. He has given everything to Connacht for a quarter of a century, he has earned the right to his own decisions. Fair play to him.

He's leaving us in a much better state than we were when he took charge and while that might be earlier than we'd have liked, it's exactly what we all hoped would happen.

The press will be full of speculation on successors and the usual suspects (or, ahem, suspect) will have their names thrown about but it's a long way to the end of the season and lots of things will change. On a bright point for us we are now a much more interesting prospect for coaches than we were when looking for Bradley's replacement.

Just feel really disappointed, had hoped that this was not true, but as I believe I stated earlier EE does not owe Connacht anything and he will know when the time is right. He lives and breathes this province and rugby club. Personally glad that he is choosing the time despite the bad feeling that I get from his departure. Best of luck Eric.

Wow I didn't see this coming. I enjoy speculating as much as the next guy and it's fun between match's when things get slow here. All I can say is I hope that its nothing serious if it is family issues and that regardless of the hard time I and others have given him it was never done with maliciousness. The man has been a legend for Connacht and one that deserves the full esteem of every supporter following the team.

I'd also like to see him back (when he's ready) in some type of admin role. I think I and others forgot what a role he played in getting the Clan terrace and other facilities put in. Still in a state of shock so that's all for now.

just watched a 6mins preview of the document from last years heineken cup.

link doesnt work anymore but the passion here showed but eric is unreal.
whipping his eyes before the home toulouse game when the crowd was in full voice and after our win vs quins, made hard to watch after todays news.

my favourite line from him was 'i want to win, i want to fucking win..... badly'

'unlucky this hard luck that. BOLLOX, fuck me im feed up listening to this'

Crap

I'm stunned by this. I know the man puts in a huge commitment in terms of time and mental energy and eats, sleeps and breaths Connacht Rugby, and it is easy take it for granted that that is ok by him. Hope it is just a case of needing a break.

This is very shocking news. Good luck to Eric and his family.

wish Eric all the best,leaving unfortunately for him and the supporters when i think he will have his strongest ever squad and hopefully a clean bill of health going into the 2nd HEC(minus one or two).

Eric owes Connacht Rugby nothing. Eric is Connacht to the bone. I'd go as far as to say Eric is the reason there is still a professional side in Connacht. His life has been Connacht Rugby and I'm delighted for him that he has picked the right time to leave both for himself and the province and that he can move on with his head held high and seek out new challenges. He will have given 8 years on the management side of things by the end of the season (either as assistant or head coach), on top of his 168 (approx) games for the province over a huge number of years going back to the late 80's most of which came when we were playing very few matches.

Eric has poured his heart and soul into the job and however bad supporters or players feel after a result I have no doubt Eric feels 100 times worse. As IMF says Eric has done whats right for him and ultimately whats in the best interests of the team as he obviously feels that he has given his stint, had his good days and its time to hand over the baton to a new coach to try and put their stamp on the team.

He has helped put the foundation in place for Connacht to improve further both on and off the pitch and the Connacht job now is an exciting prospect for his successor.