Exclusive: Cullie Tucker Embraces Interim Role as Connacht Chase URC Lifeline in South Africa

Connacht’s hopes of salvaging their URC season have taken a sharp turn following the departure of head coach Pete Wilkins, with scrum coach Cullie Tucker stepping into the interim role ahead of the province’s crucial two-week tour of South Africa.

Wilkins had not featured on the sidelines for Connacht’s last four matches, with the province him being on “sick leave” prior to confirming his exit last week. 

His sudden departure came just days before Connacht travelled to Cape Town to face the Stormers, the first of two pivotal fixtures on South African soil.

Tucker The "Stand-In Coach"

Tucker, was officially handed the reins for the remainder of the season. Despite the short turnaround, he led the team into a high-stakes clash with the Stormers on Saturday. Connacht put in a gritty shift and were nearly rewarded, only to see a potential match-winning try disallowed in the 80th minute for obstruction. 

Tucker reflects on his time as Interim Head Coach.

“It has been an interesting experience. I've enjoyed it and it also has come with its challenges. I am blessed and grateful to have a coaching staff, club and players that are supportive. We’ve got a group of players who care about what the organisation is about," he told SportsBoom.com. 

“In all fairness, they’ve supported me through to the end of the season. It’s been all those things and I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Head Coach Role Up for Grabs

It was already confirmed Brumbies assistant coach Rod Seib will be joining Connacht as the "Senior Assistant Coach", as well as the appointment of Australian Billy Millard as the General Manager for next season. 

But is Tucker in the running to keep the head coach role full-time?

“For me, it’s just week-on-week. It is as simple as that,” he said. 

“To be honest, I wouldn’t even comment on that [being head coach] at the moment. I’m just focusing on the Lions and getting the team in the top 8.”

Despite the uncertainty, Tucker’s name has reportedly been linked with a potential move to Munster next season, further clouding the coaching picture in Galway.

Top 8 or Bust

As things stand, Connacht sit 12th in the URC table with three rounds remaining. 

A top-eight finish and a place in the quarterfinals is still mathematically possible, but they’ll need results to go their way, starting with a must-win clash against the Emirates Lions in Johannesburg this week.

“We are in the country [South Africa] for another week and we will be spending some time together,” Tucker added. 

“The squad is working very hard. It was a great week in the lead-up to the Stormers game, and we are looking forward to next week.”

For now, the mission remains clear: win in Joburg, and keep the season alive.