Ulster defence coach Jonny Bell has departed the province with immediate effect, in the latest change to Richie Murphy's backroom team.
Bell, a Champions Cup winner with Ulster as a player in 1999, has agreed an early release from his role at the province ahead of starting a new career opportunity outside of rugby.
The 50-year-old has been defence coach at Ulster since the summer of 2022 when he returned home following spells at Gloucester, Glasgow Warriors and Worcester Warriors, replacing former Ireland international Jared Payne in the role.
"Ulster Rugby has been a huge part of my life for over 30 years, and it has been an absolute privilege to represent and coach my home province," Bell said.
"From growing up watching the heroes of the '80s, I developed a passion for the game and the province that has stayed with me since. To go on to play and work with such talented and dedicated players and staff over the years is something that I am incredibly grateful for, and I have cherished every moment.
"While it’s time for me to step into a new challenge outside of rugby, my passion for Ulster will never change. I am deeply thankful to everyone who has supported me throughout this incredible journey. I look forward to following the team as a fan and wish them every success for the future."
Bell’s departure is the latest change to the Ulster coaching team since Richie Murphy (below) replaced Dan McFarland as head coach on permanent basis last summer.
Forwards coach Roddy Grant departed in July, following the appointment of Jimmy Duffy, while skills coach Craig Newby left for Ealing Trailfinders.
Last month, it was confirmed that attack coach Dan Soper would switch to a new role in the province as a development and transition coach for players stepping up from the academy to the senior side, with Connacht assistant Mark Sexton expected to be running Ulster’s attack next season, reuniting with Murphy, whom he worked with for the Ireland U20s.
Another of Murphy’s former Ireland U20 assistants, Willie Faloon, will take on "a more active role" with Ulster for the rest of the season at least, to allow for Bell’s immediate departure.
Faloon, a development officer at his native province, has been assisting the senior coaching staff in recent months, while he was head coach of Ireland’s U20s for last summer’s World Rugby U20 Championship.
If the 38-year-old is appointed to the role on a permanent basis for next season, it would see Murphy assisted by Faloon, Sexton and Duffy, with that same coaching ticket leading Ireland to an U20 Six Nations Grand Slam in 2022.
Watch Scotland v Ireland in the Guinness Six Nations on Sunday from 2pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app or listen to live commentary on Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1
