Allen Clarke has today been named as Ulster Assistant Coach. He joins newly appointed Head Coach Mark McCall in a new-look management team for next season.
The 36-year-old Dungannon-born forward made eight appearances for Ireland and played professional rugby at Northampton from 1993-98. Following a summer tour to South Africa with Ireland in 1998, he was among the first crop of players to return home to Ulster with the advent of professionalism in the province. He was a member of Ulster's European Cup winning side in the 1998-99 season but was forced into early retirement as a result of an ankle injury.
When his rugby career was cut short by injury he became involved in coaching and is currently the Director of Elite Player Development in Ulster, working in conjunction with the Sports Council and the University of Ulster to nurture young rugby talent. He was also appointed as Assistant Coach of Ireland U19 earlier this year.
Ulster Rugby Chief Executive Michael Reid said: "Totally dedicated to Ulster Rugby he is a 24/7 rugby man. His knowledge of the game is huge and he has an appetite to learn. He has done an outstanding job developing our young talent and the time is right for him to take the next step up the ladder".