Kiss to take Ulster role

Les Kiss will leave the Ireland set-up after Rugby World Cup 2015 to become Ulster's full-time director of rugby.

Ulster and the IRFU announced Neil Doak as the province's new head coach, while also revealing that Kiss will depart boss Joe Schmidt's national coaching team after the 2015 tournament.

The Australian former rugby league star has held Ulster's interim rugby director role this term following David Humphreys' late-summer departure for Gloucester.

The 49-year-old will leave Ulster to focus on Ireland duties on October 13, before returning in November 2015, while Doak will remain on hand as head coach.

Former dual-sport rugby and cricket international Doak has now been confirmed as Ulster's permanent replacement for Mark Anscombe, who was released in the summer.

Ireland head coach Schmidt tipped Kiss to make a big future at Ulster, while keeping focus on next months' three-Test Guinness Series.

"Les is tremendous value and his integrity, coaching ability and positivity will add definite value to Ulster in the long term," said Schmidt.

"But, like the rest of the National coaching team, we are both very much focused on the upcoming Guinness Series.

"Beyond that there are plenty of challenges leading up to Six Nations and Rugby World Cup 2015."

Doak's confirmation as head coach had been expected, with the 42-year-old himself admitting Kiss' interim post had helped ease the summer transition in stepping up from his assistant role under Anscombe.

"It is a help, yes," Doak said of Ulster's board affording him effectively an extended trial.

"If you're applying for other posts there would be an interview process.

"That may still be the case, but I suppose when you're in the day-to-day running of things, that in a sense might be an extended interview as well.

"Without officially going through an interview process, Les coming in has given (chief executive) Shane Logan and the board time to assess what the best options are moving forward."

Revealing his excitement over his Ulster future, Kiss admitted he must hone in on Ireland's upcoming clashes against South Africa, Georgia and Australia.

"I am very appreciative of the continued faith the IRFU and Ulster Rugby have demonstrated in me and, while I'm delighted to get the security in the long term, I am very much focused first and foremost on the next 12 months," said Kiss.

"It's exciting that the Springboks arrive here in just over three weeks and that the Guinness Series is almost upon us.

"The national coaching team have remained in close contact and Joe (Schmidt) has been particularly supportive of my dual roles over the last few months, which has made things a lot easier for me."