Rugby: McCaughey extends stay at Ulster CEO

Ulster Rugby have confirm that CEO Hugh McCaughey will remain in post until the end of 2025.

McCaughey took over the role on an interim basis follopwing the departure of Jonny Petrie earlier this year. He was exe[pcted to be in position for six months. That has now been extended until the end of next year.

McCaughey, a former Chief Executive of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, has been involved in rugby in Ulster over the past four decades.

He says he's excited abput the future.

“I have relished the challenges and opportunities that have come from leading Ulster Rugby since I took up the role of CEO in April, and I look forward to continuing to move the province forward over the course of the next season.

“Now is the time for the province to build, with an exciting young generation of players coming through into the professional squad, the continued strong growth of the Women and Girls’ game, and increasing participation in the domestic game across Ulster.

“Whilst there will continue to be financial and other challenges in the short-term, I am confident that we now have a clear, strong and positive way forward. This has the support of the IRFU, enabling us to build on the work we started towards the end of last season.

"I, like supporters, players, coaches and everyone involved with Ulster Rugby, am looking forward to the season ahead with anticipation, excitement and confidence.”

On the news, Chair of Ulster Rugby’s Management Committee, Paul Terrington, said: “We were confident that Hugh was the right person for us to bring in to lead the province at a challenging time last season, given his extensive organisational leadership experience and understanding of the game, and this extension of his contract is testimony to the progress made to-date.

“With a focus on stabilising the club’s financial situation, in partnership with the IRFU, and establishing a strategic way forward, we are confident that Hugh will continue to lay the foundations in the months ahead that will stand-by the province for years to come.

“We look forward to what can be achieved, from the domestic game through to the professional, in the new season.”