Ulster driving force Humphreys will be difficult to replace, cautions Best

Ireland hooker Rory Best was shocked when told David Humphreys was leaving Ulster to become director of rugby with Gloucester.

Best confirmed he only heard the surprise announcement on Saturday when preparing for the opening test against the Pumas and said Humphreys will be difficult to replace at Ravenhill.

“I was very surprised. Obviously he’s had a big association with Ulster rugby, not just for the last few years as director of rugby but since the late 1990s. He’s not just been a part of Ulster rugby, he has been Ulster rugby.

“So, obviously it is a big shock but I suppose he has to do what’s right for him and his family, to experience something new.

“It’s no different from us as players, when opportunities like this come along. You want to finish with no regrets, it’s just something he had to do.

“Obviously, it’s bitterly disappointing but you have got to wish him all the best like you do with every player that leaves,” said Best, adding it ‘wasn’t ideal’ news to find out on the morning of a test match.

Best said Humphreys had been the driving force for the changes in Ulster and they had made huge strides since he took charge.

“We were a bit of a shambles really. We didn’t have good players, we weren’t signing good players, we didn’t have good structures. He really came in and changed all of that. He didn’t just sign good players, he signed good people.

“Gloucester are a little bit further down that road than we were when David came in, but I think if you are Gloucester looking at it, you’d look at the way he’s transformed us, you’d go ‘I wouldn’t mind a piece of that’ and you’d take your chances.”

Best said they have time to find a replacement as most things are in place for next season but they need to find the right man.

“Certainly, I’d be a little bit concerned. You’d like to think the wheels would be in motion to get somebody and it’s important that it’s somebody suitable rather than jumping in and pulling the first fish out of the sea.”