Former Wales second-row Steve Williams will succeed Allen Clarke as Ulster's assistant coach, the province announced this afternoon. Clarke left Ravenhill last month to take up a position in the IRFU.

Williams, who was capped 28 times for Wales between 1995 and 2003, has signed a two-year deal as Mark McCall's number two.

Williams, whose playing career included stints with London Irish and Northampton, arrives at Ulster from English National One side Pertemps Bees. The 36-year-old will take up his appointment at the end of the month.

"I am very much looking forward to being part of the team at Ulster," Williams said today. "I am very excited and keen to get started in my new role and hopefully make a positive difference to the team."