ULSTER LURES SOUTH AFRICAN COACH TO TAKE THE REIGNS

Ulster have reportedly found their long-term successor after former head coach Dan McFarland. Ireland U20s coach Richie Murphy took charge of the Irish province until the end of the season following McFarland’s departure in February.  Many suggested Murphy to retain the role beyond this season upon his appointment, but it seems as if the province has recruited a more experienced coach, Frans Ludeke who will leave Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay to take over at Ulster. South African Ludeke is a habitually respected coach, known for his impressive track record with the Bulls, leading the side to back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2009 and 2010.  The 56-year-old left the Bulls in 2015 and served as an advisor to Fiji during that year’s Rugby World Cup before heading to Japan with the Kubota Spears.

In his 149 matches in Super Rugby, Ludeke won 78 in total, ranking him among the top five match-winning coaches in the competition’s history.

He has since taken the Spears from relative inconspicuousness to the pinnacle of Japanese Rugby as they claimed a historic first-ever Japan Rugby League One title in 2023.

His success with the side led to him reportedly being in the running to replace Jamie Joseph as the head coach of Japan, with Eddie Jones ultimately getting the role. He was also in line for the Fiji head coaching role with Fijian Drua boss Mick Byrne preferred. Ludeke also assisted the Springboks back in 2000 and would come to Belfast with a tremendous pedigree.

While he is widely known for his time at the Bulls, Ludeke has also coached the South Western Districts Eagles, Cats and Golden Lions.

The report on the Kubota Spears boss joining Ulster comes just a few days after fellow South African coach Johan Ackermann revealed that he is eager to return to South Africa.