Ulster Rugby today confirmed via their website that Roddy Grant will join the coaching ticket as Forwards Coach from this summer.
Grant was born in Botswana to Scottish parents, but grew up in South Africa and moved to Scotland to embark on a professional playing career that began in 2006 with Border Reivers. He later joined Edinburgh and went on to make 138 appearances for the club.
He was forced to retire due to injury in 2015 and he soon became a coach in the Scottish Rugby Academy. Grant was then appointed as Edinburgh’s Assistant Forwards Coach in May 2017 and last season he helped them to achieve their best league position since 2008/09.
Meanwhile, Ulster Rugby is pleased to announce that Assistant Coach Dwayne Peel and Skills Coach Dan Soper have signed new two-year contract extensions.
The Ulster coaching ticket now has an exceptionally youthful look with 3 of the main coaches still in their 30’s. Dwayne Peel (37), Jared Payne (33) and now Roddy Grant (31).
It has also been confirmed that Assistant Coach Aaron Dundon will leave the Province at the end of the current season to pursue other coaching opportunities.
Commenting on the announcements, Ulster Head Coach, Dan McFarland said:
“I’m delighted that Roddy will be on board with us from this summer. Having worked with Roddy in Scotland I know his skill set will compliment mine in terms of developing our overall forward play.
“It’s also great news that Dwayne and Dan are remaining at Ulster. They have both done a great job and we’ve seen how our players, from the younger guys through to seasoned internationals, have improved as a result of their coaching.
Former Ulster players Michael Allen and Paul Marshall were quick to give their approval to the announcement:
“I’d like to thank Aaron for his work across our
Ulster Rugby fans will also be hoping that the club will announce player signings in the coming weeks having being linked with moves for Super Rugby stars.
