Ulster hire McFarland as new head coach

London - Ulster hired Scotland assistant Dan McFarland as their new head coach on Monday.

Englishman McFarland agreed a three-year contract to take over from New Zealand's Jono Gibbes at the start of next season.

The news comes two days after Ulster missed out on a place in the PRO14 Final Series, leaving the province facing a play-off with Ospreys for a place in the European Champions Cup.

McFarland, 46, joined the Scotland set-up last year after moving with Gregor Townsend from Glasgow.

The Scottish Rugby Union said McFarland will remain in his post until January while they seek a replacement.

"I am really excited that I will be taking on the Ulster head coach role. I know first hand from my years visiting with Connacht and Glasgow the passion and fervour that makes playing in front of Ulster fans so special," McFarland said.

"It's a club with a great history and I welcome the challenge of being a part of their future."

McFarland spent almost a decade in the Connacht coaching ranks before moving to Glasgow in 2015.