Howe: Stiff task for Anscombe

The only way is down for incoming Ulster head coach Mark Anscombe following the success enjoyed under predecessor Brian McLaughlin, says former Ulster and Ireland wing Tyrone Howe.

Former New Zealand U20 coach Anscombe takes the reins at Ravenhill this summer after the Ulster Rugby hierarchy decided to ditch the homegrown coach who has delivered a first Heineken Cup final since 1999.

McLaughlin’s final act before he takes charge of the Ulster Academy will be to prepare his side for Saturday’s final against Leinster at Twickenham but Howe, who will be in the Sky Sports studio covering the competition’s first all-Irish final, does not envy Anscombe the task of following in the Ulsterman’s footsteps.