Dan McFarland is the Ulster coach and has signed an extension to his contract that will keep him in Ireland until at least 2025.
McFarland, who has been Ulster’s coach since August 2018, will be their longest-serving coach during the professional era.
McFarland has helped Ulster make progress but the team still lacks a trophy.
He said, “I am thrilled to have extended my contract at Ulster Rugby.”
“I’d like to say thank you.” [Ulster chief executive] Jonny Petrie thanks for all of his support over these last four years.
“I love my job here. This is only possible due to the wonderful people I get along with. The support team and players have helped us to grow, compete, and work together to win championships.
McFarland’s contract renewal was announced six days following the disappointment at his side’s loss to the Stormers in Cape Town.
Ulster led in South Africa going into second-half injury, but Ulster lost the lead when he conceded a converted attempt as South Africa won 17-15.
Following an impressive pool stages campaign, the Irish provincial suffered European disappointment in this season’s Champions Cup. A second-leg home defeat to Toulouse in the last 16 of Champions Cup saw them lose after beating the French champions.
McFarland stated, “The fact is that we still want to win championships.”
“I look forward to leading the search for, guiding, supporting those who are capable of making this happen for the province and its passionate supporters. They truly share our joy and pain.
“The challenge ahead of us is enormous, but it is what makes it so exciting.” It has that feeling of unfinished business.
Petrie, Ulster’s chief executive officer, spoke about McFarland’s “clear impact” on the club.
“We’ve made some remarkable progress as a squad in the past two years, with play off rugby against the top teams in Europe and beyond now being a regular occurrence,” stated the Ulster CEO.