Barakat to leave Ulster in December

Barakat to leave Ulster in December

Ulster Rugby Assistant Coach, Joe Barakat, will leave the Province in December to take up the position of Senior Assistant Coach at Western Force in his native Australia.

"Firstly, I'd like to thank Ulster Rugby, and particularly Les (Kiss), for the opportunity to come here and be involved in such a fantastic organisation. I can't speak highly enough of the coaching group and the players here at Ulster - there is so much talent and ambition here and that will only lead to positive things in the future," commented Barakat on his decision.

"This opportunity with Western Force is a chance for me to take on a senior position at a Super Rugby franchise, while also bringing me back to be closer to my family, having spent a long time away from home.

"Until I leave in December I will be fully committed to the Ulster cause and will do everything in my power to ensure that we are well-placed going into the business end of the season.”

Barakat arrived at Ulster in the summer of 2015 on a two-year contract and he is primarily responsible for defensive strategy and the contact zone.