Ulster Rugby: Coach Richie Murphy wants to sign a new deal

Richie Murphy says he would like to extend his stay as Ulster coach until next season.

Ireland Under-20s coach Murphy replaces Dan McFarland in March 2024 and is out of contract at the end of the season.

After a disappointing 2024-25 season, Ulster have been rejuvenated under Murphy this season, winning six of their eight matches in the United Rugby Championship table and qualifying for the knockout stages of the Challenge Cup with one game to spare.

With the progress, the 51-year-old joked that he would have liked a new contract to be concluded “yesterday”, and discussions are underway with the Irish province.

“Hopefully that will be the case,” Murphy told BBC Sport NI of a new deal to stay in Belfast.

“These things are part of the process and Ulster are working on them at the moment.”

Murphy said he was pleased with his coaching team of Mark Sexton, Jimmy Duffy, Willie Fallon and Dan Soper, and that the staff had “formed really well”.

“We are working well together and the results are starting to show, so let’s hope this continues for a few years,” he added.

He added: “There is stability with the players, knowing who they are dealing with, and clarity about the way we are really trying to play.”