Richie Murphy: Ulster coach signs contract extension until 2028

Ulster coach Richie Murphy has signed a contract extension that will keep him at Northern Province until the summer of 2028.

Murphy was initially appointed on a caretaker basis following the departure of coach Dan McFarland in February 2024 before signing a two-year contract in May of that year.

The former Ireland Under-20s coach had a difficult first full season in Belfast with Ulster, finishing 14th in the United Rugby Championship. [URC] He missed out on a place in the European Champions Cup for the first time.

However, there has been a marked improvement in form this season with Ulster currently sitting third in the URC standings with six wins from eight matches, while the team finished top of Group Three in the European Challenge Cup.

It was a period of transition at the Avidia Stadium with Murphy handing starts to Zak Ward, Jack Murphy, Joe Hopps, Bryn Ward, Charlie Irvine, Lorcan McLoughlin, Connor McKee, Ben Carson and Wilhelm de Klerk.

“I’m really proud of the way this group has responded and grown over the course of my time here,” Murphy said.

“There is real belief and energy around the place and it has been great to see the young players step up when given the opportunity.

“We are focused on building a team that has real competition for places, and I think we are still scratching the surface of what this group can achieve.

“Extending my time here means a lot to me. We want to continue to build and improve and make sure Ulster competes every week at the highest level.”