Western Province coach John Dobson has been linked with the vacant head coach’s job at Ireland side Connacht.

The Pro14 province recently confirmed the sacking of coach Kieran Keane and are on the lookout for his replacement, with The42 linking Australia’s Andy Friend and Dobson to the job.

Dobson, who coached Western Province to the Currie Cup title last year, signed a three-year extension with the union at the end of 2017, but it is thought that his deal has exit clauses that would allow him to leave for Connacht.

He has previously worked in Europe as a technical director at Italian club Rugby Roma Olimpic in 2009.

Dobson could also emerge as a potential replacement for the under-fire Robbie Fleck, should the Stormers decide to part ways with former Springbok who has also been linked with a move to the United Kingdom.

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