Former Ireland lock Jeremy Davidson will return to Ulster and replace Welshman Steve Williams as forwards coach at the start of next season.
After two years spent coaching at Castres the Ulsterman will come back to his roots and link up with a very familiar looking ticket that includes former team-mates Neil Doak (skills coach), Jonny Bell and Niall Malone (elite player development officers) as well as David Humphreys (operations director) and Alex McCloy from Ballymena (video analyst).
Coach Matt Williams said today the former Dungannon coach is a “natural fit” for his long term goal of piecing together a local team to take the province forward.
"Jeremy has already got some experience in coaching locally from his time as head coach at Dungannon and has gained considerable experience at Castres over the past two seasons,” said the Australian.
It will be the second time he has returned to the province from Castres after doing so as a player in 2001, after three years in France.
Having toured with the Lions to South Africa in 1997 and earned 32 caps for Ireland, Davidson brings vast experience to the role.
Steve Williams, says Matt, “commands respect from his colleagues and players alike, and both Ulster Rugby as a collective, and individual players have reaped the benefits of his input.”
“This season we've seen players like Tom Court and Stephen Ferris break into the Ireland Squad and hold down regular places, while Ryan Caldwell and David Pollock are knocking on the door.
"Steve will continue to be an important part of our team until the end of this season. After that I have no doubt he will continue in a successful coaching career and we wish both him and his family the very best for whatever may lie ahead."
