McLaughlin’s Ulster contract ‘under review’

Ulster yesterday confirmed that the contract of head coach Brian McLaughlin is “under review”.

The Irish province have reacted to reports that McLaughlin will depart at the end of the season by releasing a statement confirming that the future of their backroom staff is being assessed.

The doubt over McLaughlin’s position at Ravenhill comes despite his success in leading Ulster into the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup for a second successive season.

“In response to media speculation today regarding the Ulster Rugby head coaching position, Ulster Rugby confirms that the current coaching contracts are set to finish at the end of the season and are under review,” read the statement.

“There will be no further comment at this time.”

McLaughlin has acquitted himself well since taking over at Ravenhill in 2009, but the content of Ulster’s statement will provide little reassurance over his employers’ intentions.

Last season the former Ireland skills coach masterminded Ulster’s passage into the Heineken Cup knockout stages – for the first time in 12 years – and the RaboDirect PRO12 play-offs.

Former Italy and Japan coach John Kirwan has been linked with the position, with Ulster directors seeking an injection of fresh blood.