Former Ireland captain Willie Anderson said he's aiming to unearth a "golden generation" at Ulster after linking up with the Academy as player development officer.
Anderson will start work with the province in July, operating as a forwards specialist for both the Academy and the Ulster 'A' team.
He won 27 international caps between 1984-1990, before embarking on a coaching path that has seen him work with Leinster, London Irish and the Scottish national team, and is now aiming to bring through a fresh crop of talent at the KIngspan.
"I'm really excited about the prospect of working in the Academy and the challenge that it will bring," said Anderson.
"I'm looking forward to working with Les Kiss and Kieran Campbell, and hopefully bringing through some top quality young players over the next few years.
"My role is primarily going to be with the forwards, working with them on what is takes to be a complete professional.
"I've been fortunate enough to have experience working in a similar environment with the Irish Academy that developed players such as Paul O'Connell and Peter Stringer, so hopefully we will be able to unearth our own golden generation in Ulster.”
Ulster director of rugby Les Kiss is confident Anderson will have a hugely positive impact on the group.
"For someone of Willie's experience to come in and work with our young forwards is going to be fantastic for us," he said.
"Willie has been through every level of the game, both as a player and a coach, so his experience will certainly enhance our programme.
"We have a lot of young players that we would like to accelerate through to a higher level of rugby, so when you have someone like Willie who has been there and done it himself, and also coached it, I think that will help us immensely.”
