14/11/2007
Ulster Rugby Coach Gives Up Trying
Ulster Rugby’s coach has announced his departure from the top position.
Speculation about Mark McCall's departure had been rife since his side lost 32-14 at home to Gloucester in Friday night's opening Heineken Cup Pool game.
The coach failed to attend a post-match media conference after his side's fifth competitive defeat in seven matches.
Ulster began their Magners League season with a home win over the Ospreys but this was followed by morale-sapping away defeats at the hands of Edinburgh, the Dragons and the Scarlets.
A spirited second-half display against Leinster earned a home draw but a further heavy loss in Glasgow heightened the pressure on the embattled Ulster coach.
The Irish province conceded five tries in a lacklustre first half performance against Guinness Premiership leaders Gloucester, effectively ending their hopes of qualification after one game.
Ulster chief executive Michael Reid said the Professional Team Managament Committee had accepted McCall's resignation on Monday night "with regret".
"The poor results this season have been very difficult for us all and ultimately have brought us to where we are now," said Reid.
Mark McCall's three-and-a-half year tenure came to an end with an announcement at a press conference at Ravenhill on Tuesday morning.
(BMcC)
Speculation about Mark McCall's departure had been rife since his side lost 32-14 at home to Gloucester in Friday night's opening Heineken Cup Pool game.
The coach failed to attend a post-match media conference after his side's fifth competitive defeat in seven matches.
Ulster began their Magners League season with a home win over the Ospreys but this was followed by morale-sapping away defeats at the hands of Edinburgh, the Dragons and the Scarlets.
A spirited second-half display against Leinster earned a home draw but a further heavy loss in Glasgow heightened the pressure on the embattled Ulster coach.
The Irish province conceded five tries in a lacklustre first half performance against Guinness Premiership leaders Gloucester, effectively ending their hopes of qualification after one game.
Ulster chief executive Michael Reid said the Professional Team Managament Committee had accepted McCall's resignation on Monday night "with regret".
"The poor results this season have been very difficult for us all and ultimately have brought us to where we are now," said Reid.
Mark McCall's three-and-a-half year tenure came to an end with an announcement at a press conference at Ravenhill on Tuesday morning.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 March 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 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.
16 August 2013
'Nevin Spence Centre' Planned For Ravenhill
A new education and heritage centre being built at Ulster Rugby's Ravenhill stadium is to be named after the late Nevin Spence, who died in a farming accident along with his brother Graham and father Noel in September last year. The centre is part of a £14.7m redevelopment of the ground and will be called 'The Nevin Spence Centre'.
'Nevin Spence Centre' Planned For Ravenhill
A new education and heritage centre being built at Ulster Rugby's Ravenhill stadium is to be named after the late Nevin Spence, who died in a farming accident along with his brother Graham and father Noel in September last year. The centre is part of a £14.7m redevelopment of the ground and will be called 'The Nevin Spence Centre'.
22 September 2009
UTV's Birthday To Be Celebrated
Viewers of Ulster Television are to get the chance to celebrate a major broadcasting milestone. This autumn, the channel celebrates 50 years of broadcasting - a birthday being officially marked on 31 October.
UTV's Birthday To Be Celebrated
Viewers of Ulster Television are to get the chance to celebrate a major broadcasting milestone. This autumn, the channel celebrates 50 years of broadcasting - a birthday being officially marked on 31 October.
23 April 2009
Latest Irish Film Festival Launched
The latest Irish film festival on the calendar - in early May - will include an opportunity to 'pitch' ideas for film and TV production.
Latest Irish Film Festival Launched
The latest Irish film festival on the calendar - in early May - will include an opportunity to 'pitch' ideas for film and TV production.
01 May 2018
McFarland Named New Head Coach Of Ulster
Dan McFarland has been named the new head coach of Ulster on a three-year contract. He will remain as Scotland's assistant coach for nine months and will leave before next year's Six Nations. Mr McFarland said: "I am really excited that I will be taking on the Ulster Head Coach role.
McFarland Named New Head Coach Of Ulster
Dan McFarland has been named the new head coach of Ulster on a three-year contract. He will remain as Scotland's assistant coach for nine months and will leave before next year's Six Nations. Mr McFarland said: "I am really excited that I will be taking on the Ulster Head Coach role.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.