Cullie Tucker to leave Connacht at the end of the season

By James Ffrench

Connacht Scrum and Contact Coach Cullie Tucker will depart his role at the end of the season to become the new Ireland Men’s U20s Head Coach.

Tucker will start his new role at the start of the 2026/27 season, with Andrew Browne assuming the head coach position until then.

The Limerick native, who previously worked as assistant head coach for Ireland during their summer tour earlier this year, took charge of the Ireland XV in their 61-24 win over Spain, in Madrid this past weekend.

Tucker was appointed as defence coach at Connacht back in 2021, having previously coached in the All-Ireland League with UL Bohemians and Shannon.

Speaking following the appointment, Tucker said: “Working with Connacht for the past 10 years of my life was a massive passion in both my life and in my coaching career to date and I would like to thank CEO Willie Ruane and all of my colleagues in the backroom team, staff and players for all their support and friendship over the last few years.”

“It has been one of the biggest honours in both mine and my family’s life to coach under the Connacht crest. I am so incredibly thankful for all the experiences and lifelong friends I have made.”

“There is no better place than a full Dexcom stadium with incredible support of the wonderful Connacht people, I’ll cherish those memories.”

Ireland finished bottom of the u20 Six Nations in last year’s rendition under Neil Doak’s tutelage, with their only win coming in a 33-15 victory away to Scotland, but Tucker insists the future is bright for Irish rugby. 

Tucker continued: “I am excited to join the Ireland Under 20 squad and look forward to working closely with the emerging talent in our national pathway system over the coming seasons. 

I believe that the future is bright for Irish Rugby and I look forward to playing my part in trying to achieve success.”

Speaking on the club website following the announcement, Connacht Rugby CEO Willie Ruane said; “Cullie has made a long-lasting impact on Connacht Rugby, going right back to when he first joined us in 2015.”

“From his early days as a Coach Development Officer within our Club & Community team, it was clear he was a talented coach with an excellent eye for identifying and developing young players. 

“We’ve seen that ability come to fruition both during his time in the academy setup and, since 2021, as part of our professional coaching team. 

“While we’re all very sad to see him go, we wish him every success in his new role with the Ireland U20s, and every happiness in the future to his wife Deirdre and their three children.”