McCall favourite for Ulster job as Solomons departs for Saints

FORMER Ireland international Mark McCall is favourite to be appointed Ulster coach when Alan Solomons leaves for Northampton Saints.

McCall was Solomons' chosen assistant when he took over from European Cup-winning coach Harry Williams in 2001. The IRFU had seen McCall's promise and he was fast-tracked into the Ireland U21 coaching role, beginning last Friday with a 20-20 draw with France.

However, with the financially-stretched IRFU wanting to promote from within, McCall's name will be high on the list when the Ulster Branch start hunting for Solomons's replacement this week.