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Rory Best will return to Ulster Rugby as General Manager, succeeding Bryn Cunningham who announced his resignation in September.
The former Ireland and Ulster captain retired from playing after the 2019 World Cup before taking on coaching roles with Major League Rugby’s Fiji and Seattle Seawolves, while also working as an analyst.
However, the 43-year-old returns to Ravenhill with a different look as the county continue their rebuilding mission on and off the field after a difficult few seasons.
Ulster confirmed the appointment in a statement on Wednesday, adding that Best will oversee the club’s professional rugby operations, player development and performance pathways.
“Ulster Rugby has been a huge part of my life and it is a great honor to return in this capacity,” Best said.
“I know what this club means to our players, staff, supporters and sponsors. I’m excited to play a part in helping Ulster realize its potential, and build on the strong foundations that already exist.”
Ulster Rugby chief executive Hugh McCaughey described the appointment as a “landmark moment” for the club, adding that the appointment of the former captain was about “reconnecting with the values and identity that have always made Ulster special”.
Cunningham, who played 150 times for Ulster, announced last month that he would step down as general manager after 11 years in the position “to take on a new challenge”.
Part of Cunningham’s job was to recruit and retain players, while the 47-year-old confirmed that a “robust 3-5 year strategy” had been put in place to turn around the county’s fortunes.
His announcement came just days before a pre-season friendly with Edinburgh, having secured the signatures of Juanno Augustus and Angus Bell.
Best will be tasked with building on Cunningham’s work to help get Ulster back into United Rugby Championship contenders and back into the Champions Cup, having missed out on qualifying for Europe’s blue-rib competition this season.
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