Mark Sexton and Willie Faloon will join the Ulster coaching set-up for the 2025-26 season.
Both coaches will form a key part of the team alongside head coach Richie Murphy, forwards coach Jimmy Duffy, and Dan Soper, in his new role as development and transition coach. Indeed, it is the same coaching ticket that guided the Ireland Under-20s to a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2022.
Sexton joins the province to lead the attack after many years with Connacht, where he started off in the academy before working with Murphy as skills and assistant attack coach for the aforementioned U-20s.
The Dubliner has over a decade of coaching experience, firstly working with St Mary's College and Leinster U19s before pursuing his badges.
Faloon joins the ticket on a permanent basis as the province’s new defence and contact skills coach.
The Co Armagh native played for the province and later worked with the academy. He also has coaching experience with City of Armagh RFC and Ireland U20s.
In his new role, Soper's main objective will be maximising the individual development of all players with a particular focus on the younger talent already in the senior squad and the successful transition of academy graduates.
On the appointments, Richie Murphy, said: "Mark and Willie will be great additions to the coaching team here at Ulster Rugby. Knowing Mark from our time together in the Irish U-20 setup, I could see first-hand that he is a talented young coach who knows how to drive an attack.
"He has built up a great reputation at Connacht and we are getting a hungry coach who is excited to work with the talent we have here.
"Willie Faloon is also a very talented coach with a growing reputation in the game. He’s a good example of someone coming up through the Ulster coaching pathway and we look forward to seeing what impact he can make on the team."
Meanwhile, Ulster have injury concerns surrounding Tom Stewart (hamstring), Andrew Warwick (ankle) and Eric O'Sullivan (knee) after Friday's fixture against Queensland Reds.
All three players will have scans this week to further ascertain the extent of their respective injuries.
James Hume, Jacob Stockdale and Stuart McCloskey (above), all of whom returned to action following recent injury, came through the game well and are available for selection for Saturday's game in Benetton (5.15pm).
Prop Tom O'Toole is also available for selection following his suspension.
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