Rugby: Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin will not be offered a new deal when his contract expires at the end of the season, according to reports this morning. Despite guiding the province to the knockout stages of the Heineken Cup for a second successive season, McLaughlin faces the prospect of being replaced at Ravenhill.
John Kirwan and Matt Sexton have already been linked with the job, with Ulster simply stating that the McLaughlin’s contract, and those of his backroom team, are under review.
“In response to media speculation today regarding the Ulster coaching position, Ulster confirms that the current coaching contracts are set to finish at the end of the season, and are under review,” the province said in a statement this morning. “There will be no further comment at this time.”
McLaughlin took charge of Ulster following the departure of Matt Williams in 2009 and has overseen a revival in fortunes with the province that saw the side reach the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup last year for the first time since winning the tournament in 1999.
The 52-year-old repeated the trick this season, the highlight of a memorable campaign a 41-7 thrashing of Leicester in Belfast that helped Ulster make it through as a best runner-up. Ulster, who are currently sixth in the Pro12 standings, will face Munster in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals when the competition resumes in April.
