McLaughlin named Ulster head coach

ULSTER Rugby have resisted the temptation to appoint from overseas in their search to replace Matt Williams, plumping for home-grown candidate, Brian McLaughlin.

The former Ireland skills coach yesterday inked a two-year contract to

replace Williams who still had a year to run on his deal before his sudden departure last month.

A number of high profile coaches were linked with the role including Eddie O’Sullivan and former England international Richard Hill, but McLaughlin’s appointment is clear indication the IRFU want Irish-born head coaches in the four provinces.

McLaughlin’s rise through the ranks resembles the route taken by current Ireland boss, Declan Kidney.

The new Ulster head coach was a hugely successful schools coach at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution, guiding the RBAI to seven Ulster Schools’ Cup finals in the space of 12 years, winning five deciders.

McLaughlin (50) was also part of the successful Ireland U21 coaching team that won two Triple Crowns in 1996 and 1998. In September 2005, he took a leave of absence from his teaching position, joining Eddie O’Sullivan’s coaching ticket as skills/continuity coach and helped the team to Triple Crowns in 2006 and 2007 before stepping down in April 2008 and returning to the RBAI.

He also returned to coaching at club level at the start of the ‘08-‘09 season, helping Ballynahinch to the Ulster Senior League, Ulster Senior Cup, AIB Cup and AIB Division Two playoff title as well as promotion into the AIB Division 1B League for next season.

McLaughlin’s coaching ticket includes is joined by former Ulster players Jeremy Davidson (forwards) – also in the frame for the top job – and Neil Doak (backs), while Peter Sharp, a professional rugby league coach, will take charge of the defence.

However, in Ulster Rugby’s press release, iIt appears Ravenhill legend, David Humphreys, will head up the new Team Management Structure.

Humphreys’ name appears above McLaughlin’s in the press release as he takes control of Rugby Operations with responsibility for the senior team, the A side, the under-20s and the High Performance/Academy structure.

The former Ireland outhalf will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of team management and preparation, ensuring Ulster are prepared to a “world-class level”.

He will work closely with the Head Coach on all aspects of training and team preparation and he will drive Ulster’s attempts to produce build a squad largely made up of home-grown players, supported by a small number of high profile players from overseas.