22/03/2004

Mark McCall announced as new Ulster coach

Mark McCall was today named Ulster's new rugby coach in succession to Alan Solomons.

The current Irish U21 coach has been offered a three year deal commencing on July 1.

Commenting on the appointment, Ulster Rugby Chief Executive Michael Reid said: “We are delighted to have got our man. Mark McCall has been involved with the Ulster set-up with Solly [Alan Solomons] and we believe he is the ideal man to finish the job we have started and to continue to bring young local players through.

"For sheer dedication, hard work and detailed planning and organisation I have met no one better and I am very pleased he has agreed to take on the job".

A former Irish international centre, capped 13 times, McCall captained Ulster during the early part of their European Cup winning campaign in 1999 until a neck injury forced his retirement from the game.

He immediately went into coaching, and was drafted into the Ulster set-up where he assisted Head Coach Harry Williams during the rest of the 1998-99 season and throughout 1999-00 as well as coaching club side Ballynahinch.

McCall remained with Ulster during Alan Solomons’ tenure at Ravenhill and also assisted Matt Williams coaching Ireland A for two seasons.

(MB)

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