I am really looking forward to the challenge of working with the Ulster Rugby team, it is something I have always wanted to do, it‘s a dream come true, and I feel so proud.

I really appreciate all the messages of support and encouragement I have received from all my friends and rugby supporters, not just from inside the province, but from all over the World. It has been tremendous - I feel very honoured.

I really hope that all the supporters will get behind us; the management and the team, as we all want the same thing; Ulster to succeed and play to their full potential. I have started work with everyone this week, and we are all working really hard. The effort from the management and the players has been very impressive; we have all made a great positive start together, and are all gelling well, including our new players.

I know we can move this on further, for the good of Ulster Rugby. I believe we’re all of one mind, and all trying to go in the one direction. It is very important to me, Neil Doak, and Jeremy Davidson, for Ulster to be successful. We’re Ulster men through and through, and we want the best for our province, our supporters and our players. This matters to us, at a professional and at a personal level, so we’ll be doing our utmost to ensure that when the team runs out, they will be playing at a consistency high standard.

I hope to see all you at Ravenhill cheering our team on to a successful season.