Allan Temple Jones Appointed Connacht Rugby’s New Head of Athletic Performance
Connacht Rugby and the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) have secured a highly-regarded performance specialist, naming Allan Temple Jones as the province’s new Head of Athletic Performance. The appointment signals a clear ambition to elevate performance standards as Connacht prepares for the next phase of domestic and international competition.
Connacht Rugby and the IRFU confirmed the appointment on Thursday, bringing aboard a coach with extensive experience across multiple rugby disciplines. Temple Jones will integrate into a revamped backroom staff led by head coach Stuart Lancaster and supported by Rob Seib.
A Proven Track Record on the World Stage
Temple Jones arrives in Galway with a compelling resume, most recently guiding the Ireland Women’s Sevens team to unprecedented success. In 2024, he led the team to their first-ever title on the SVNS Series, highlighted by a significant victory in Perth. This leadership also culminated in qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking a pivotal moment for Irish women’s rugby.
His recent two-year tenure with the Irish Sevens program wasn’t his first. Temple Jones previously served as Head of Athletic Performance for both the men’s and women’s Sevens teams from 2017 to 2021, demonstrating a sustained commitment to the development of Irish rugby players.
South African Roots and Elite Coaching Pedigree
Before returning to Ireland, Temple Jones honed his skills in South Africa, serving as Athletic Performance Manager for The Sharks from 2021 to 2023. A native of Durban, he spent a decade as Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Springbok Sevens, a period widely considered to be the most successful in the program’s history.
His accomplishments during that time are substantial, including:
- Olympic Bronze Medal
- Commonwealth Gold
- Two World Series Titles
“He brings a wealth of experience,” a senior official stated, emphasizing the value of Temple Jones’s international background.
Succession and Future Ambitions
Temple Jones succeeds Michael Kiely, who departs after three years of service. Connacht Rugby and the IRFU expressed their gratitude for Kiely’s dedication and wished him well in his future endeavors.
This appointment is viewed as a strategic move by Connacht and the IRFU to bolster elite performance standards. With Lancaster and Seib already in place, Temple Jones joins a coaching team focused on achieving success and bringing championship silverware to the west of Ireland.
