Ulster close in on new head coach

New Zealand Under-20 coach Mark Anscombe is set to take over at Ulster.

The 54-year-old, who has been in charge of the successful New Zealand Under-20 team, is renowned as a technical forwards coach.

He has worked with current Ulster players John Afoa and Jared Payne.

It is understood the other two candidates on the Ravenhill shortlist were ex-Ulster player Matt Sexton and former Gloucester coach Dean Ryan.

Anscombe succeeds Brian McLaughlin who was in charge of Ulster for three seasons.

McLaughlin has guided the province to the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup for the last two years and is hoping to reach the Pro12 play-offs for a second successive season.
Anscombe has formerly coached Auckland in the ITM Cup, New Zealand's annual professional domestic rugby union competition.

You'll be hoping he brings his son with him then. The young fly half Gareth who played against England in the JWC Final. Got an incredible points kicking ability for a young man and a decent rugby brain.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/4284425/Gareth-Anscombe-proving-his-father-right

Where did you get the idea that Dean Ryan was on the short list Stag?

Some are saying it but my sources say different

Leaving EOS free to work his magic at Munster.

Anthony Foley will be next Munster head coach.

Stag got a source for this ?

Just saw it on BBC RU page, interesting.

Just been confirmed.

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/10277.php

geoff998rugby wrote:Some are saying it but my sources say different

Well thats that then, look forward to seeing what Anscombe can do - sounds very highly rated.