Dan McFarland named as Ulster Rugby's new head coach

Ulster have named Scotland assistant Dan McFarland as their new head coach.
Dan McFarland has been named as the new head coach of Ulster RugbyDan McFarland has been named as the new head coach of Ulster Rugby
Dan McFarland has been named as the new head coach of Ulster Rugby

McFarland has signed a three-year contract and will take over from New Zealander Jono Gibbes at the start of next season.

The news comes two days after Ulster missed out on a place in the Guinness PRO14 Final Series with the province facing a play-off with Ospreys for a place in the European Champions Cup.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

McFarland joined the Scotland set-up last year after moving with Gregor Townsend from Glasgow.

The Scottish Rugby Union says Englishman McFarland will remain in his post until January while they seek a replacement.

McFarland told his new club's website: "I am really excited that I will be taking on the Ulster head coach role. I know first hand from my years visiting with Connacht and Glasgow the passion and fervour that makes playing in front of Ulster fans so special.

"It's a club with a great history and I welcome the challenge of being a part of their future."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

McFarland spent almost a decade in the Connacht coaching ranks before moving to Glasgow in 2015.

The SRU revealed McFarland would leave the national set-up in mid-January as he serves a nine-month notice period during their recruitment search.

Worcester head coach Carl Hogg has been drafted into the Scotland set-up on an interim basis and will share forwards-coaching duties with McFarland on their summer tour of the Americas.