Hugh McCaughey to continue as Ulster Rugby CEO

CONTINUING IN ROLE: Ulster Rugby, together with the IRFU, have announced that Hugh McCaughey will continue as their CEO until the end of 2025. Picture:  ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Ulster Rugby, together with the IRFU, have announced that Hugh McCaughey will continue as their CEO until the end of 2025. McCaughey took over the role in April 2024 from Jonny Petrie on a temporary basis. 

McCaughey was the former Chief Executive of South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has been involved in rugby in Ulster for four decades with Chair of Ulster Rugby’s Management Committee, Paul Terrington confident he is the right person to lead the province after a challenging season. 

“We were confident that Hugh was the right person for us to bring in to lead the province at a challenging time last season, given his extensive organisational leadership experience and understanding of the game, and this extension of his contract is testimony to the progress made to-date.

“With a focus on stabilising the club’s financial situation, in partnership with the IRFU, and establishing a strategic way forward, we are confident that Hugh will continue to lay the foundations in the months ahead that will stand-by the province for years to come.

“We look forward to what can be achieved, from the domestic game through to the professional, in the new season.”

McCaughey is looking forward to continuing in the role after what was a tough year for Ulster rugby both on and off the pitch. 

“I have relished the challenges and opportunities that have come from leading Ulster Rugby since I took up the role of CEO in April, and I look forward to continuing to move the province forward over the course of the next season" said McCaughey.

“Now is the time for the province to build, with an exciting young generation of players coming through into the professional squad, the continued strong growth of the Women and Girls’ game, and increasing participation in the domestic game across Ulster.

“Whilst there will continue to be financial and other challenges in the short-term, I am confident that we now have a clear, strong and positive way forward. This has the support of the IRFU, enabling us to build on the work we started towards the end of last season. I, like supporters, players, coaches and everyone involved with Ulster Rugby, am looking forward to the season ahead with anticipation, excitement and confidence.”