ULSTER HAVE ANNOUNCED that head coach Mark Anscombe is to leave the province with immediate effect.
This news follows swiftly in the footsteps of the departure of Director of Rugby David Humphreys to Gloucester.
Ireland assistant coach Les Kiss will take over as Ulster’s Director of Rugby on an interim basis from the 19th of July, providing the northern province with ample time in which to conduct a review of their coaching structures.
Kiss will combine the role with his duties as the defensive guru within Joe Schmidt’s international set-up.
Anscombe took over as head coach of Ulster ahead of the 2012/13 season, leading the province to the final of the Pro12 in his first year. The 2013/14 campaign saw Ulster knocked out in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals by Saracens and the Pro12 semi-finals by Leinster.
Anscombe signed a contract extension with Ulster as recently as February, a deal which was intended to keep him in Ireland until 2015 at least.
I would like to pay tribute to the contribution that Mark Anscombe made over the past two seasons and to thank him for his hard work and dedication,” says Ulster chief executive Shane Logan. “Everyone at Ulster Rugby wishes him well for the future.”
“Les Kiss will have an expanded remit for the Province’s Director of Rugby and will lead the coaching staff, assisted by Jonny Bell and Neil Doak and will manage 1st team selection.
“His appointment allows us time to recruit for long-term success.“
He just wanted to get out before the 12th!!!
Anyone know what’s going on in Ulster…is it financial or are there other problems?
If financial……the cash hasn’t been flowing too much into Ulster from Rory McIlroy.
Shame that Mark McCall is contracted in England, it would have been good to see him return home. I reckon Brian McLaughlin deserves another go. He is terrific for developing young players.
Ulster aren’t short of cash, apparently some did not like his abrasive coaching style
Cant be that! Cheika would never have lasted if that was the case… Huge loss for Ulster especially after DH going , I have a suspicion its more IRFU related … We’ll see…
Very likely IRFU related I’m sure Ulster will have more players starting on the Irish team after this. I wonder does Kiss get two cheques a week from the IRFU now. The should have Foley and Lam as forwards coaches and O’Connor as backs coach, let old Schmidt put his feet up.
Belfast Newsletter indicates Anscombe returned for start of new season preparations unaware of any moves to out him.
Senior Ulster officials called him to a meeting and informed him his contract was cancelled.
Given the Humphreys exit and Penney’s departure, is machiavellian IRFU back to form?
And Plumtree? Part of the plan? Should O’Connor be nervous? If Foley were to double-job as Ireland Forwards’ Coach, Schmidt would be well placed to mastermind all Irish rugby!
But that wouldn’t happen.
I’d swap him with O’Connor in a heartbeat.
Murray Kinsella for Ulster DOR!
Can’t see McCall leaving Sarries, on handy money there