CONNACHT COACH ERIC Elwood has decided to move aside from his role at the end of the season, it has been reported this afternoon.

Elwood was in Dublin today to speak at the Heineken Cup’s official launch, but did not reveal his intentions.

Since then however, Sunday Independent journalist Brendan Fanning has written a blog on his personal site asserting that the former fly-half had decided not to renew his three year contract.

Elwood appeared in good form when encountered by TheScore.ie today, but it is said that he has grown weary of the pressures that come with the job. Elwood spent five years as assistant coach in the western province before moving into the vacancy left by Michael Bradley three years ago.

Connacht, who could not be reached for comment by TheScore.ie this evening, had planned to make a “major announcement” in Galway tomorrow. Now though, it appears the news has leaked early.

The timing of the news seems less than ideal, with Connacht primed for their second ever assault on the Heineken Cup, a week after they face Ulster at Ravenhill this weekend.