This Friday after the Ulster match, in the Clan Bar, Eric Elwood will be inducted into the Connacht Clan Hall of Fame.
To say that Eric Elwood has had a storied career is somewhat of an understatement. During his time he played for Lansdowne, Galwegians, Connacht, Ireland and the Barbarians. In his Connacht career he played 168 times, scored 473 points in the ECC, and scored 293 in his 50 Celtic League matches for his home province, including a period of time where he was travelling back from Dublin to play. In that time he was a shining light for rugby players around the province and his example was the one to follow.
When Michael Bradley left the Connacht head coach slot open, Eric was a natural successor stepping in from the back's coach position. His talent had already been shown when he coached the Ireland U-20 to a Six Nations grand slam in 2006/07, and he delivered on that talent with Connacht. In his first season in charge Connacht dramatically improved their away performances, had an exciting attacking style and had young stars being blooded, trends that continued over his spell in charge.
Eric led Connacht into their first two Heineken Cup campaigns, and showed the rugby world that Connacht were no whipping boys at that level, as may have been suggested in some quarters previously. The structures put in place in Connacht under Erics charge may have been the doing of others, but no doubt that the passion that Eric Elwood effused about Connacht rugby inspired many of the long nights that have gone into the progress of the last three seasons. As a player, as a coach and as a fan, Eric has Connacht running through his veins.
So come along to the Clan Bar directly after the match on Friday, and help us thank him for all he has done for Connacht Rugby.