Ulster name Murphy permanent boss on two-year deal

Richie Murphy has agreed a two-year contract to remain in charge of Ulster on a permanent basis.

The former Ireland Under-20s boss has been in interim charge at Kingspan Stadium since the end of the age-group Six Nations.

He replaces Dan McFarland who left the province in February after five and a half years at the helm.

Murphy has been in charge of seven games to date during his temporary stint, winning four and losing three, with the side exiting the European Challenge Cup at the quarter-final stage.

They are sixth in the United Rugby Championship (URC) table, with only the top eight advancing to the play-offs.

This is the 49-year-old Murphy's first head coaching job with a senior side.

He had previously worked as skills and kicking coach with Leinster and the Ireland national team between 2010 and 2021.

He became head coach of the Ireland Under-20s in 2021, winning back-to-back Grand Slams in 2022 and 2023, and taking the side to the final of the World Rugby U20 Championship last summer where they were beaten by France.

Speaking about Murphy's appointment, Ulster's interim CEO Hugh McCaughey said: "We are delighted at Ulster Rugby to have Richie committed to the province for the next two seasons.

"Over the past couple of weeks, we have had an insight into what Richie, the coaching staff and squad have the potential to achieve together, with today's announcement providing the stability needed for this to continue.

"Richie has vast experience in developing young players and is ambitious to achieve success, so he is a perfect fit for what we need."

On confirmation of his role, Murphy added: "I'm looking forward to continuing with Ulster after a very enjoyable start to my time with the club.

"It's no secret that I was keen to stay on in the role of head coach with the province, as I can see what is building here at Ulster and how I can contribute to growing that in the coming years."