Dan McFarland named as new Ulster coach
Dan McFarland has been named Ulster head coach after announcing he will leave his role as Scotland assistant coach.
McFarland will remain in his Scotland post for a nine-month notice period, leaving before next year’s Six Nations.
He has signed a three-year contract with the PRO14 side. Ulster failed to reach the play-offs having just completed a disappointing season, finishing fourth overall in their table.
Gregor Townsend took McFarland with him to his coaching set-up when he was given the head coach role for Scotland in the summer having worked together for two years at the Warriors.
Speaking about his move to Belfast, McFarland said: “I am really excited that I will be taking on the Ulster head coach role.
“I know firsthand that 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 part of their future.”
McFarland has previous experience of coaching in Ireland, having spent nine years as an assistant coach at Connacht.
Commenting on the appointment, Bryn Cunningham, Ulster Rugby’s Operations Director said: “Dan was our number one candidate so we’re obviously very happy to have secured his services for the next three years. Dan’s CV is hugely impressive and he commands great respect within the game.
“He enjoyed successful spells with Connacht and Glasgow, and the fact that Gregor brought him into the Scotland set-up speaks volumes for how highly he rates him.
“Our priority in this process was to identify and recruit the best possible candidate first and foremost.
“With the confirmation of Dan’s appointment, we will be announcing at least one further addition to the coaching team in the near future to ensure that we have a strong unit in place in advance of preseason.”
Former Scotland back-row and current Worcester Warriors head coach Carl Hogg has been added to the Scotland coaching team on an interim basis.
He will share forwards-coaching duties with McFarland on the 2018 summer tour to Canada, USA and Argentina.
