Solomons to leave Ulster for Northampton

Ulster director of rugby Alan Solomons has confirmed he will be the new head coach at Northampton next season.

The former South Africa assistant coach will replace New Zealander Wayne Smith, who today confirmed he will be leaving Franklin’s Gardens at the end of the season to take up a coaching role under new All Blacks coach Graham Henry.

Solomons will bring Ulster forwards coach Adrian Kennedy with him to his new club.

Solomons, whose three-year Ulster contract ends in May, said: “I look forward to the new challenge, but will also leave Ulster with a heavy heart. I have enjoyed every minute since arriving in Belfast.”