ULSTER HAVE CONFIRMED that David Humphreys will leave the province to become Director of Rugby at Premiership side Gloucester.
The 42-year-old has been a major driving force behind Ulster’s progress in recent years, bringing world-class recruits like Ruan Pienaar and Johann Muller to Ireland, as well as overseeing the redevelopment of Ravenhill.
This move to Gloucester ends a 22-year association between Humphreys and Ulster, with the former Ireland international having made 162 appearances for the province as a player, winning the 1999 Heineken Cup, 2004 Celtic Cup and 2006 Celtic League.
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Upon retiring in 2008, Humphreys moved into the role of Operations Manager for Ulster, before becoming the Director of Rugby in 2010. He will now take up the same role with Gloucester.
This was a really difficult decision for me personally but having received a direct approach from Gloucester, I have now chosen to accept an offer to become their Director of Rugby,” said Humphreys. “It is, I believe, the right move for me at this stage of my career.
“I would like to thank the supporters and all those involved in Ulster Rugby over more than two decades who have lent me support, encouragement and wisdom.
Humphreys with his children, Katie and James, ahead of his final appearance for Ulster in 2008. PRESSEYE / INPHO
PRESSEYE / INPHO / INPHO
“There is no doubt that the Province will continue to move forward. It has a fantastic stadium, the best supporters and a wealth of great talent coming through. Ulster Rugby will be a force within rugby for many years to come.”
Ulster’s CEO, Shane Logan, took the time to wish Humphreys well in his new role with Gloucester in the Premiership. The southwestern club are highly ambitious and have recruited the likes of James Hook, John Afoa and Greig Laidlaw ahead of next season.
“I would like to wish David every success with Gloucester and to thank him for the outstanding contribution that he has made to Ulster Rugby,” said Logan.
As Director of Rugby, David has helped to grow the game at all levels – there are more people playing rugby in the province than ever before, we have successful age-grade sides, we have a strong Academy and we now have a senior squad that can beat the best in Europe.
“We are disappointed with the decision but respect David’s decision to leave Ulster. We do know we already have the structures in place to ensure we have success in the long-term.
“Ulster Rugby will now begin the process of recruiting a new Director of Rugby and we look forward to building on the progress that the province has made in recent years.”
Wow, I did not see that one coming! He was Mr Ulster, and I wouldn’t imagine he was anywhere near completing his objectives he had outlined with Ulster. Still, we should be able to attract a top class director. Conor O’Shea?
Big of a shock especially after the transformation that has happened up in Ulster the last few years…maybe he felt he couldn’t take them on any further?
Not so strange. Frustration at the lack of success. By moving to Gloucester is he saying this is as far as I can take Ulster at this time? Is he saying that the powers that be do not share his ambition? What does Gloucester offer that he cannot achieve with Ulster? Shane Logan’s comments are curious, particularly regarding development as Ulster has a single representative in U20 in the junior world cup and a senior squad that can beat the best in Europe but has no trophies. Has the wrong man left Ulster?
Hope it’s not a sign of things to come with the new financial clout of the premiership & top14 deals. I had worried about losing players but managers & directors are just as important.
Is it because there are simply too many too comfortable in their roles at Ulster paying lip service to sharing the vision or is it because he has read which way the financial wind is blowing?
Sad day for Ulster Rugby. Brilliant player, captain and leader. He spotted and attracted the best players and brought them to Belfast.
After 91 years you just can’t write off Ravenhill and its rugby history despite new stadium name. More to this story.
It was probably in the works for a while, but just officially announced today, in case it was a distraction during the tail end of the season. Real surprise though
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He must really not like his brother.
Think it’s just good retirement planning by the parents. He signs his brother to take over the carers role.
A head scratcher if ever there was one.
Hate to slate a loyal servant but, it makes sense he allowed John afoa to go to Gloucester then.
Does make you wonder!
Not at all, that was a done deal long ago and Gloucester on sacked their present director last week.
NO ONE saw this coming, a real shocker!
Wow, I did not see that one coming! He was Mr Ulster, and I wouldn’t imagine he was anywhere near completing his objectives he had outlined with Ulster. Still, we should be able to attract a top class director. Conor O’Shea?
Big of a shock especially after the transformation that has happened up in Ulster the last few years…maybe he felt he couldn’t take them on any further?
Head coach
Mark Mc Call?
Not so strange. Frustration at the lack of success. By moving to Gloucester is he saying this is as far as I can take Ulster at this time? Is he saying that the powers that be do not share his ambition? What does Gloucester offer that he cannot achieve with Ulster? Shane Logan’s comments are curious, particularly regarding development as Ulster has a single representative in U20 in the junior world cup and a senior squad that can beat the best in Europe but has no trophies. Has the wrong man left Ulster?
That’s a strange one didn’t see that coming,are you any relation to charlize theron?
Hope it’s not a sign of things to come with the new financial clout of the premiership & top14 deals. I had worried about losing players but managers & directors are just as important.
Is it because there are simply too many too comfortable in their roles at Ulster paying lip service to sharing the vision or is it because he has read which way the financial wind is blowing?
Sad day for Ulster Rugby. Brilliant player, captain and leader. He spotted and attracted the best players and brought them to Belfast.
After 91 years you just can’t write off Ravenhill and its rugby history despite new stadium name. More to this story.
But can they afford to let ambition walk out the door?
If David was the director of rugby what was the title for Mark Anscombe ?
Coach
It was probably in the works for a while, but just officially announced today, in case it was a distraction during the tail end of the season. Real surprise though