Ulster part ways with forwards guru

NEWS: Ulster have announced that forwards coach Roddy Grant has left the province after five years.

The announcement comes just days before the Ulster squad are due to reassemble for pre-season training on Monday, July 23.

The former Scotland 7s international was brought on board by former Ulster head coach Dan McFarland in 2019 and helped transform Ulster’s maul into a rich source of points.

Grant worked under current Ulster head coach Richie Murphy last season, who said he “really enjoyed” working with the former Edinburgh flank.

The Botswana-born coach’s next move has not been announced.

“Roddy has given a lot to the province over the past five years, and we would like to thank him for all his hard work that is set to stand by us as a squad in the seasons ahead,” Murphy said.

“From a personal perspective, I really enjoyed working together at the end of last season. Roddy is a coach that gives it his all, and I know how much maintaining the highest standards means to him.

“On behalf of everyone at the province, I would like to wish Roddy every success for the future.”

Grant added: “I’m extremely proud of our work as forwards over the past five years. I feel that I leave with the pack in a better place than when I arrived, with the guys having built a very strong reputation as a forward pack.

“I gave it my all, and I went all in. Thank you to all the players who gave everything, and went all in for me too.”