Former All Black joins Ulster coaching staff

Ulster have secured the signature of former All Black loose-forward Craig Newby who will join the northern Irish club as a skills coach ahead of the 2021-22 season.

Newby made three appearances for New Zealand between 2004 and 2006 and turned out for the Blues and Highlanders in Super Rugby, winning a total of 67 caps for the latter and 7 for the former.

In 2008, Newby made a move north and joined up with Leicester Tigers for whom he notched up 84 caps.

He is currently the forwards coach of the England Women’s U20 side.

“The positive environment at Ulster, together with how the club is run – both on and off the field – are what I am looking forward to being a part of when I join later this year," Newby said. "By bringing my personality and skill set as a coach to the role, I hope to build on the great work already underway.”

Ulster Rugby head coach, Dan McFarland, said: “I look forward to welcoming Craig, and to working alongside him as he makes the role his own and plays his part in our ambitions going forward as a squad.”