Humphreys confirms change of coach

ULSTER’S DIRECTOR of Rugby David Humphreys has confirmed the Irish province will be appointing a new head coach for the 2012-2013 season with the current occupant Brian McLaughlin taking up a senior coaching position within the Ulster academy on a permanent contract.

Humphreys explained: “While we are not yet in a position to confirm who our head coach will be for next season, I can confirm that Brian will remain in a senior coaching position at the club, moving to work with Gary Longwell in our Academy on a permanent basis.

“Prior to Christmas, Brian and I discussed his coaching position and he was aware that we were considering a number of different coaching options for next season. Traditionally, the two-week break between the conclusion of the Heineken Cup pool stages and the resumption of the RaboDirect Pro 12 League has been the time when staff and players who are out of contract at the end of the season, are advised of their contractual position for the following season.

“Brian took a career break from teaching at RBAI to take the head coach role at Ulster Rugby. He originally joined Ulster on a two-year contract in June 2009, and last year accepted a permanent senior coaching position at the club while also agreeing a year-long extension as head coach.

“The option of the Academy role offered Brian long-term stability and the security to leave his teaching job in order to coach full time.

“We are aiming to make Ulster Rugby a leading force in European rugby and to do that we need to develop our Academy system and elite player pathway. Brian has a proven record and a genuine interest in this area and this role offers him an opportunity to shape the future of Ulster rugby. Our youngsters will benefit enormously from his experience.”

McLaughlin expressed his satisfaction at his new position before adding: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my two and a half seasons at the helm and take huge pride in the success we’ve had, however, with a Heineken Cup quarter-final and a push for a Pro 12 play-off spot to come I’m very much focused on leading Ulster for the remainder of this season and am totally committed to achieving our goals of progression in both competitions.”

Meanwhile, he confirmed a 28-man squad for Friday night’s RaboDirect Pro12 game against the Dragons at Ravenhill on Friday night (7.05).

ULSTER SQUAD: C Black, A Macklin, J Afoa, J Cronin, P McAllister, A Kyriacou, N Brady, L Stevenson, J Muller, T Barker, N McComb, W Faloon, A Birch, M McComish, R Diack, P Marshall, R Pienaar, I Porter, I Humphreys, L Marshall, I Whitten, N Spence, M Allen, S Terblanche, C Gilroy, C Gaston, C Cochrane, A D'Arcy.