Michael Bradley will step down as Connacht's Director of Rugby at the end of the season after seven years in charge at the Irish province.
Making the announcement this week to allow Connacht plan for his replacement the former Ireland international has set his sights on Heineken Cup qualification as his parting gift to club where he has spent seven years.. During the 47-year-old Cork mans reign in Galway the Westerners have been consistent performers in the Amlin Challenge Cup reaching two semi-finals and just losing out to the eventual winners Northampton in last season's quarter-finals.
"Whilst not achieving the consistency in performance that all Directors of Rugby crave, Connacht has had some fantastic nights especially in the Sportsground and these are great memories.
"To the current squad there is a lot of rugby to be played this season. To qualify for the Heineken Cup would be a great way to sign off," said Bradley.
Connacht sit comfortably on top of Pool 2 of the Amlin Challenge Cup after victories over Olympus Madrid and Montpellier with back to back games against Warriors next up.
Ironically the likelihood of Heineken Cup Rugby in Galway received a boost earlier this season with the qualification changes which would See Connacht qualify if they win the Amlin Challenge or if any of the other three provinces win either European tournament.
Connacht's next Amlin Challenge Cup game is at the Sixways Stadium against Worcester Warriors on Saturday, 12 December at 3.00pm.
