Ulster Rugby announce new role for Soper

Dan Soper will take up a new role with Ulster as Development and Transition Coach at the end of the 2024/25 season.

His role will focus on maximising the development of senior players, in addition to driving the successful transition of Academy talent into the Senior side.

The New-Zealander joined the Senior Men’s coaching team ahead of the 2018/19 season, initially as Skills Coach before becoming an Assistant Coach.

The 48-year-old took temporary charge of the team before the appointment of Richie Murphy as Interim Head Coach in 2023.

Ulster Rugby’s General Manager, Bryn Cunningham, said:

“This new position is an integral part of our 3-year high-performance strategy going forward, as it’s vital that our standout players reach their maximum potential to compete at the highest level.

“Dan’s new role will also be important in supporting our network of domestic coaches throughout the province in clubs and schools.

“With his experience in the schools game and passion for nurturing exciting talent, Dan will play a key part in building upon further opportunities and collaboration for the betterment of rugby across the province.

“Our focus is to have a steady pipeline of indigenous players coming through who can compete technically, tactically and physically with the demands of the modern game and Dan is fully aligned to achieving this goal.”