Former Connacht Women's rugby coach appointed Mayo club head coach

Mayo rugby side Claremorris Colts have revealed their new head coach for the 2025/26 season.

The club have announced that Doron McHugh will step into the position of manager.

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McHugh has plenty of experience in the managerial realm. Last season, he was part of Emer O’Dowd’s coaching setup with the Connacht Women’s side, working as a forwards coach, as well as a scrum coach.

Last season, the former prop with Ballinrobe and an AIL-winning Galwegians side was also involved with Castlebar RFC as a forwards coach. He has also been in with the Connacht Junior inter-pro side.

Speaking after the announcement, McHugh expressed his excitement at the prospect of leading Claremorris’ best rugby prospects into the upcoming campaign.

“I'm really looking forward to taking on the role of Head Coach with the Colts,” he stated. 

“Already, I can see that this is an ambitious young team with a great attitude. I'm ready to challenge the players and myself to leave a mark on the season ahead.”

The new main man at the Colts will be looking to get their pre-season plans in place, with the 2025-26 campaign due to get underway in earnest in September.