Kiwi Anscombe to take up reins as Ulster coach

Ulster added another major piece to their set-up for next season when they announced the signing of New Zealander Mark Anscombe as head coach on a two-year contract.

Anscombe, 54, was Auckland head coach for three seasons to 2011 and also led New Zealand’s U20s to World Championship success last summer in Italy. He will replace outgoing head coach Brian McLaughlin at Ravenhill on June 1, having emerged from a shortlist believed to have also included former Gloucester boss Dean Ryan and ex-Ulster player Matt Sexton.

McLaughlin has guided his native Ulster to two successive Heineken Cup quarter-finals, with the province set to face provincial rivals Munster at Thomond Park on April 8 and bid for a first semi-final in Europe since they lifted the trophy in 1999.