Connacht Rugby is to lose long-standing coach Cullie Tucker, who is now moving into the Ireland set-up as the men’s U20 coach.
Currently in charge of Connacht's scrum and contact, Tucker is set to depart Dexcom Stadium at the end of the season, having worked with the province for the last decade.
Tucker, a Limerick native who coached both UL Bohemians and Shannon in the All-Ireland League, will bring considerable experience to the Ireland U20s head coach role, having previously held assistant coaching positions on Ireland's 2025 summer tour and with Ireland A. Last weekend he was in charge of the Ireland XV in Madrid where they delivered a comfortable victory over Spain.
Tucker says his time with Connacht has been one of the "biggest honours" in both his and his family’s life.
"Working with Connacht for the past 10 years has been 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."
Tucker has gained valuable experience in Connacht, having worked as an elite development officer before becoming a senior coach.
"It has been one of the biggest honours in both mine and my family’s life to coach under the Connacht crest," he says.
"I am so incredibly thankful for all the experiences and lifelong friends I have made. My wife Deirdre, sons Colm and Charlie, and daughter Evie are proud Connacht supporters and we, as a family, have enjoyed many a special night in the Dexcom.
"We will continue to watch and support Connacht rugby next season and it will always have a special place in my heart. There is no better place than a full Dexcom stadium with the incredible support of the wonderful Connacht people.
"I’ll cherish those memories. Connacht have an exciting future on and off the field, and I look forward to continuing to help drive the province forward over the course of this season under Stuart (Lancaster )."
Tucker will take over from another former Connacht player, Galwegian Andrew Browne, who leads the U20s this season before Tucker assumes the position for the 2026/27 season.
"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 the future is bright for Irish rugby and I look forward to playing my part in trying to achieve success."
Connacht Rugby CEO Willie Ruane says Tucker has made a long-lasting impact on Connacht Rugby.
"From his early days as a Coach Development Officer within our club and 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 set-up 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."
IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys added: "We are delighted to secure Cullie's appointment at an exciting and very important juncture for the underage pathway system in Irish rugby.
"Cullie is an outstanding homegrown coach who has gained a huge amount of experience both at provincial and national levels. He is also a passionate and talented leader and I'm looking forward to working with him to ensure the Ireland U20 team side, and all national age-grade teams and programmes, remain at the forefront of the player development system in Ireland."
