Ulster Rugby Appoints Murphy as Permanent Head Coach on Two-Year Contract.

Posted 3 months ago

Richie Murphy has signed a two-year deal to continue leading Ulster as their permanent head coach.

Richie Murphy, former coach of Ireland Under-20s, has taken on the role of head coach at Ulster on a permanent basis, following his interim leadership since the conclusion of the age-group Six Nations.

Murphy steps into the shoes of Dan McFarland, who departed in February after over five years at the helm.

During his temporary stint, Murphy led the team in seven games, winning four and losing three. The team reached the quarter-finals of the European Challenge Cup but bowed out at that stage.

Currently placed sixth in the United Rugby Championship (URC) standings, Ulster faces the challenge of securing a top-eight spot for the playoffs.

This appointment marks Murphy's first head coaching position with a senior side. Prior to this, he served as skills and kicking coach for Leinster and the Ireland national team from 2010 to 2021.

In 2021, he took charge of the Ireland Under-20s, achieving consecutive Grand Slams in 2022 and 2023 and leading the team to the final of the World Rugby U20 Championship last summer, where they were defeated by France.