Richie Murphy appointed head coach of Ulster

Ulster have announced the appointment of Richie Murphy as the head coach of the men's team on a two-year contract.

Murphy started his coaching career with Leinster as an assistant coach before becoming a kicking coach with Ireland between 2013 and 2021 and during the tenure the side went on to win Six Nations Championship in 2013 and 2014 along with a Grand Slam in 2018.

He later took over as the head coach of the Ireland Under 20 side and went on to help the side win two consecutive Six Nations Championship. He was initially appointed the head coach on a interim basis and now has taken the role on a permanent basis.

“I’m looking forward to continuing with Ulster after a very enjoyable start to my time with the club. I would like to thank all of the support staff, especially Bryn Cunningham, for helping me settle in," he told Ulster's official website.

“Bryn has been a big part of this process, and I would like to thank him for all his efforts in getting us to this point.

"It’s no secret that I was keen to stay on in the role of Head Coach with the province, as I can see what is building here at Ulster and how I can contribute to growing that in the coming years.

“We have a very talented group at Ulster and, together with a loyal and dedicated supporter base, I’m relishing the opportunity to see what we can all achieve together.”