Dan Soper set to take over as Ulster assistant coach

The Kiwi is currently skills coach at Kingspan Stadium and will step up into his new role at the end of the season when Dwyane Peel departs for Cardiff.

Soper guided Ballyclare High School to a Schools Cup final before moving to RBAI, where he won the trophy in three consecutive years with a side that contained Michael Lowry and James Hume.

He also enjoyed success at club level with Banbridge, taking the Co Down side into the second tier of All Ireland League.

Soper said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to continue working with this ambitious squad. The past two-and-a-half years, being a part of the development of so many talented players, has been very enjoyable and I am looking forward to pushing on as we continue to compete for silverware in the future.”

Head coach Dan McFarland added: “Dan’s knowledge of and feel for the game is excellent, and I know he is excited about taking on the next challenge.”

Forwards coach Roddy Grant also signed a two-year contact extension.

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