Dan McFarland appointed Ulster Head Coach

Ulster Rugby have confirmed that Dan McFarland will take the reins as Head Coach next season on a three-year contract.

The highly-rated Englishman is currently working with the Scottish national team as Assistant Coach to Gregor Townsend.

Commenting on the appointment, Bryn Cunningham, Ulster Rugby's Operations Director said:

"Dan was our number one candidate so we're obviously very happy to have secured his services for the next three years. Dan's CV is hugely impressive and he commands great respect within the game. 

"He enjoyed successful spells with Connacht and Glasgow, and the fact that Gregor brought him into the Scotland set-up speaks volumes for how highly he rates him.

"Our priority in this process was to identify and recruit the best possible candidate first and foremost. With the confirmation of Dan's appointment, we will be announcing at least one further addition to the coaching team in the near future to ensure that we have a strong unit in place in advance of pre-season."

Shane Logan, Ulster's Chief Executive, added:

"I'd like to congratulate Bryn and our Professional Game Board for conducting such a thorough process that has led to this appointment.

"We have worked closely with the IRFU and are very pleased with the outcome." 

McFarland, who joined the Scotland coaching team from Glasgow Warriors in 2017, will remain in post for a nine-month notice period as the recruitment process for his replacement gets underway.