Ulster Rugby confirm former Connacht coach as new man in charge

The official announcement arrived not long after Scotland confirmed he was on his way.

Ulster Rugby confirmed, on Saturday, that they had recruited a new head coach and that he had been their first-choice pick after an extensive, worldwide search. Ulster team manager Bryn Cunningham told the BBC, down at Thomond Park, that the new coach had been secured but the province was not in a position to make any official announcements yet. Jim Mallinder, Glenn Moore, Brian McLaughlin, Andy Friend and Jeremy Davidson had all been linked with the role but Ulster look set to move for a man with vast experience of the Irish provincial set-up. All signs are now pointing to Scotland assistant coach Dan McFarland taking up a role with Ulster but, due to a notice period, it may not be until next January. A statement released by Scottish Rugby reads:

'Scotland Assistant Coach Dan McFarland will leave the national team set-up mid-January to take on a Head Coach opportunity. 'McFarland, who joined the Scotland coaching team from Glasgow Warriors in 2017, will remain in post for a nine-month notice period as the recruitment process for his replacement gets underway.'

Ulster then followed that up by confirming McFarland would arrive next season on a three-year deal. The main man commented:

"I am really excited that I will be taking on the Ulster head coach role. I know first-hand from my years visiting with Connacht and Glasgow the passion and fervour that makes playing in front of Ulster fans so special. It's a club with a great history and I welcome the challenge of being a part of their future."

McFarland played for Richmond, Stade Francais and, for six years, Connacht before hanging up his boots in 2006. He then took up a coaching role with the westerners up until 2015 before joining up with Gregor Townsend at Glasgow Warriors. He followed Townsend to the Scottish national team last year but is now set to depart that role.