Andy Friend

Coaching career Friend began his coaching career within an Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) rugby program in 1995. In December 2022, Friend decided to leave Connacht at the end of his contract at the conclusion of the 2022–23 season.

Inaugural inductee to University of Canberra Sport Walk of Fame in 2022.

In September 2024, Friend was appointed head coach of the ACT Brumbies Women in the Super Rugby Women's competition ahead of their 2025 season. The Brumbies finished last on the 2025 season ladder. Friend was coach until April 2025, and was succeeded by James Erwin.

Charity bike ride Following an accident in 2010 when his wife, Kerri Rawlings, came off her bike and suffered a serious brain injury, Andy Friend undertook a 5000 km journey from Cooktown to Canberra to raise awareness and money for Acquired Brain Injury. This was to support Brain Injury Australia and Outward Bound. The journey was successful, with his wife as part of the support crew, and was completed in late November 2011.