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Anscombe took over as head coach of Ulster in 2012. Dan Sheridan/INPHO

Mark Anscombe follows Humphreys out Ulster's exit door with immediate effect

Ireland assistant coach Les Kiss is to take over as interim Director of Rugby at the province.

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.“

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