Kelly joins Ulster as Defensive Coach

After a long and exhaustive search, Ulster Rugby Head Coach Mark McCall, is pleased to announce that that former Welsh Rugby League Coach, Neil Kelly, will join the staff as an Assistant Coach.

Kelly, who is 42 years old and was born in Wakefield, will join Ulster Rugby on contract until the end of this season, with a primary responsibility for defensive skills.

Ulster Head Coach Mark McCall commented; We have been on the look-out for someone of this quality and with Neil’s expertise since the start of the season and are delighted to have someone of his pedigree join us at Ulster Rugby

Head Coach of the Welsh Rugby League side from 2000 until earlier this year, Kelly has spent the last three seasons with the Widnes Vikings, and in 2002 was named Coach of the Year having taken the newly promoted side to the brink of the play-offs in the Super League.

Prior to his move to Widnes in he coached National League side the Dewsbury Rams for five years, winning Coach of the Year with them in 1998.

Kelly will link up with the squad later this week.

Pic courtsey of BBC Sport Online www.bbc.co.uk/sport