Rugby

Richie Murphy confirmed as Ulster’s permanent head coach

Former Ireland U20s boss signs a two-year deal after leading Ulster to four wins and three defeats so far in his tenure

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy has signed a two-year deal to stay at the province. Photograph: EJ Langner/Steve Haag Sports/Inpho

Nathan Johns
Mon May 13 2024 - 17:48

Ulster have confirmed that interim head coach Richie Murphy has signed a two-year contract to stay at the province on a permanent basis.

Murphy, who replaced Dan McFarland after leading the Ireland under-20s side during the recent Six Nations campaign, has overseen four victories and three defeats thus far since taking over in March.

Ulster currently sit in sixth place on the URC table, inside the playoff qualification slots and one point behind the Stormers in fifth.

“I’m looking forward to continuing with Ulster after a very enjoyable start to my time with the club. I would like to thank all of the support staff, especially Bryn Cunningham, for helping me settle in,” said Murphy of the appointment.

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“Bryn has been a big part of this process, and I would like to thank him for all his efforts in getting us to this point. It’s no secret that I was keen to stay on in the role of head coach with the province, as I can see what is building here at Ulster and how I can contribute to growing that in the coming years.

[ ‘I gave them a bit of a rocket af half-time’ - Richie Murphy demands more of Ulster after Scarlets win ]

“We have a very talented group at Ulster and, together with a loyal and dedicated supporter base, I’m relishing the opportunity to see what we can all achieve together.”

Before joining Ulster, Murphy guided Ireland under-20s to back-to-back Grand Slams in 2022 and 2023. They fell just short of a third consecutive title this year as England finished one point ahead in the final standings.

Murphy previously served among the backroom staff at both Leinster and Ireland, working predominantly as a skills coach kicking coach under Joe Schmidt.

Willie Faloon will now lead the Ireland under-20 coaching team for this summer’s World Under-20 Championships in South Africa. The former Ulster and Connacht flanker was defence coach under Murphy for the last two Six Nations campaigns.

Former Ulster scrumhalf and assistant coach Neil Doak joins the under-20 set-up as senior coach, with Ian Keatley (attack and backs) and Aaron Dundon (forwards) remaining in their roles.

Nathan Johns

Nathan Johns

Nathan Johns is an Irish Times journalist

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