ULSTER coach Tony Russ, who did such a good job with the province since his appointment before the start of the season, has resigned. He is joining English second division club Waterloo as director of rugby. His resignation takes immediate effect.

It is anticipated that Waterloo will make an official announcement today confirming Russ as their director of rugby. Efforts by Ulster over the weekend to try and persuade Russ to change his mind failed.

Russ joined Ulster after he was surprisingly dismissed as Leicester coach in controversial circumstances. He had enjoyed considerable success with Leicester and was replaced there by former Australian national coach Bob Dwyer.

England have called inn emergency meeting of the International Rugby Football Board tomorrow following the latest impasse between the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the lending clubs.