Wallaby Williams quits Ulster ‘by mutual consent’
Coaching director Williams will return to Australia for family reasons.
Said Williams: “I have a young family in Sydney and upon my return to the province it has become clear that I need to give them more of my time.
“I have enjoyed every day here in Ulster and am deeply sorry to leave in these circumstances.
“I am delighted with the progress of the Ulster players. The team is still in the very early days of their development. We lost too many close games due to our inexperience. That will change with time. There needs to be patience and understanding that this team will grow into a powerful outfit in years to come. I am deeply disappointed that I will not be there with them on the journey,” said Williams.
“From Stephen Ferris, Paddy Wallace and Rory Best through to Darren Cave, Ian Whitton, David Pollock and Niall O’Connor, I was privileged to coach Ulster and witness the potential of their talent. I will be watching out for them next season but from Australia,” added Williams.
Meanwhile national coach, Declan Kidney believes Saturday’s international against Canada in Vancouver will help build the kind of squad to keep Ireland at the forefront of the game in the northern hemisphere – and lead on to a serious challenge for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in 2011.
“Our aim at the start of this season was to build a squad but with so many experienced players available, it has been difficult for some players to show their paces,” said Kidney. “This is an ideal tour for them as these are full test matches. These players have been training and playing with their provinces over a number of years and so we are just looking forward to seeing how they go.”
Meanwhile Connacht have secured the signature of former New Zealand U21 out-half Miah Nikora for next season. Nikora, 24, was the top points scorer for the Tasman Makos in the Air New Zealand Cup last season.
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