Former Ireland captain Rory Best has returned to Ulster Rugby as the province's new general manager.
Best, who played 219 times for the province between 2004 and 2019, succeeds Bryn Cunningham in the role, after he confirmed he would step down in September.
The 43-year-old, who retired from playing six years ago, is likely to be responsible for player recruitment and retention in his new role, with the province saying he will "oversee professional rugby operations, player development, and performance pathways" at Ulster.
"Ulster Rugby has been a huge part of my life, and it's an incredible honour to return in this capacity," Best said.
"I know what this club means to the players, the staff, our supporters, and sponsors. I’m excited to play a role in helping Ulster achieve its potential, building on the strong foundations that are already in place."
Cunningham, who had been in the role since 2014, stepped down in September. His final season as general manager was one to forget as the province missed out on Champions Cup qualification for the first time in their history.
However, his final appointments and signings in the role have shown signs of bearing fruit, with Richie Murphy's side winning three of their first four games this season, and new signing Juarno Augustus impressing, while Australia's Angus Bell is due to join in December.
Hugh McCaughey, Ulster Rugby CEO, said: "Rory's appointment is a landmark moment for Ulster Rugby.
"He is a figure who commands enormous respect across the game, not just for his achievements but for the way he represents this club and province.
"Bringing Rory back into the fold is not just about his leadership, but also about reconnecting with the values and identity that have always made Ulster special.
"We believe we have the strategy and rugby talent to take Ulster back to the top of the game, and Rory's role is to make sure we deliver on that potential."
Meanwhile, the IRFU have confirmed that the Ireland U20s will take on South Africa in a challenge game in Cork next month.
The sides will meet at Virgin Media Park on Friday, 14 November, with kick-off at 7.30pm.
It will be a first game in charge of the Ireland U20s for new head coach Andrew Browne, after he replaced Neil Doak this season, with an extended squad of players already preparing at the Irish Rugby high performance centre, ahead of the 2026 Six Nations.
Listen to the RTÉ Rugby podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow a live blog of Ireland v New Zealand on Saturday from 8.10pm on the RTÉ News App and on rte.ie/sport.
