Ulster part ways with coach just days before preseason starts

Ulster have announced that forwards coach Roddy Grant has left the club after five years.

The announcement comes just days before the Ulster squad are due to reassemble for preseason 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 for the denouement of last season, who said he "really enjoyed" working with the former Edinburgh flanker.

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

“Roddy has given a lot to the club 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 club, 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.”