A new frontrunner has surfaced in the search for a coach to fill the soon-to-be-vacant Connacht scrum position.
Just an hour ago, it was reported that Matt Ferguson, renowned for his scrum expertise and a former coach with Northampton Saints, is now considered the leading candidate to take over when Colm Tucker steps down at the end of this season.
Ferguson made a move to Harlequins last August, stepping into the role of Lead Rugby Transition Coach. This transition was part of a significant restructuring of the coaching team following the exit of Billy Millward from Twickenham Stoop.
Since joining Northampton Saints in 2018, Ferguson established himself as one of the top scrum coaches in the Gallagher Premiership, having previously worked with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and served as a coach for the England Women’s team.
During his impressive seven-season tenure at Franklin’s Gardens, Ferguson contributed to the Saints clinching the Premiership title and reaching the finals of the European Champions Cup in his last two seasons. His coaching credentials include being part of the England A setup during their autumn match against a New Zealand XV, and he attributes much of his coaching success to a pivotal encounter with Graham Rowntree.
Ferguson recalls their meeting vividly: "We met at a service station on the M6, the toll road at Norton Canes. Within just 15 minutes, we found ourselves on the floor, wrestling and discussing techniques and angles. He shared that while he had a highly successful playing career, his coaching experience was limited, while my background was the opposite. We instantly clicked.
"Graham is an exceptional person, and he told me, ‘I need you as my scrum guru.’ Over the next three or four years, I attended England camps alongside him, learning immensely, observing his coaching style, and contributing my thoughts at the conclusion of our meetings."
Sources indicate that Ferguson has emerged as the top contender for the Connacht role after discussions with Richard Cockerill, the former caretaker coach of England, who was recently dismissed from his positions with both Georgia and the Black Lions. However, those talks did not progress beyond the initial stages.
In November, Connacht officially announced that Tucker would leave his current position to become the Head Coach for Ireland Men’s U20s starting next season, prompting the club to intensify their search for a suitable replacement this month.
But here's where it gets controversial: could Ferguson's coaching style resonate differently in Ireland compared to his previous roles? What are your thoughts on Connacht's decision-making process in selecting a new coach? As always, we welcome your insights and opinions in the comments!
