After spending more than two months weighing up their options, Connacht have gone back to New Zealand to hire their new head coach.
Kieran Keane - currently the backs and assistant coach at Super Rugby's Chiefs - has been appointed at the Sportsground on a three year deal.
He'll replace fellow New Zealander Pat Lam, who departs for Bristol at the end of the season.
The 63-year-old has decades of coaching experience behind him, dating back to his days as a schoolteacher. Keane had a brief spell as assistant coach at the Highlanders, but it's his work as head coach for the Tasman Makos where he achieved his greatest success.
Keane won the ITM Championship Cup with the Makos in 2013, before leading them to an unlikely Premiership final appearance the following year. During his spell at the province, more than 15 players advanced to Super Rugby.
A a player, Keane featured six times for New Zealand but never in an official test, and played at first centre for his provincial side Canterbury.
Speaking about his appointment this afternoon, Keane says he could instantly identify with the province.
"During my recent trip to the West of Ireland, I had the chance to meet many people within Connacht Rugby and I was immediately taken by the genuine passion they have for the people they represent and the ambition they have to achieve so much more.
"It was clear very early on in our discussions that Connacht Rugby was a good fit for me and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead and to working with the players and everyone associated with the club."
Connacht CEO Willie Ruane said the province were thrilled to secure a coach of Keane's experience.
"Kieran is a highly experienced Head Coach with a winning track record and a proven ability in identifying talent and maximising the full potential of that talent. His ambitious and exciting brand of rugby is also consistent with the way Connacht Rugby and in particular our players want to continue to play the game into the future.
"Kieran’s time at Tasman also highlights the connection that his teams have with the community they represent, and that is something he clearly sees in Connacht as well."
