McLaughlin reaffirms his commitment to Ulster

Brian McLauhglin has today emphasised his continued commitment to Ulster Rugby following yesterday’s announcement that he is to step down as Head Coach at the end of the season to take up a senior coaching position with the Ulster Academy.

Ulster Director of Rugby David Humphries announced at a press conference yesterday that McLaughlin’s tenure as Head Coach would come to an end after the 2011-2012 season despite Ulster’s impressive form of late which has earned them a place in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals.

Given the irregular nature of this demotion as opposed to the more common dismissal of coaches, McLaughlin wished to clear up any confusion about his future at Ulster Rugby, stating on the club’s website that while he will step down as Head Coach he will remain part of the staff.

What’s more, the former Irish U21 coach emphasised that this new move is not effective immediately and he will continue at the helm until the end of this season and he intends to “finish the season strongly with the senior team.”

Despite securing a permanent contract with Ulster Rugby last year which extended his role as Head Coach for the 2011-2012 season, the club revealed in a statement on January 31st that his position was “under review.”

While he admitted yesterday to feeling disappointed, explaining that he felt he “hadn’t finished the job yet,” in today’s statement McLaughlin expressed his enthusiasm for his new position.

“This is an important role which I take very seriously and one to which I will bring extensive experience.

“It also indicates the investment we are making in our future players.”