Neil Kelly - Assistant Coach

Born and bred in the North of England, Kelly is from an area steeped in Rugby League. One of three brothers who have played the game professionally, the 42 year old played well over 300 first grade games for Wakefield Trinity, Fetherston Rovers and Dewsbury Rams in Yorkshire.

Kelly began his coaching career as a player-coach with the Dewsbury Rams and from there moved to a position with Widnes in the Super League.

In 2002 Kelly won the Super League Coach of Year Award, and was also appointed as the Head Coach of the Welsh Rugby League Team, a job he fulfilled alongside his club commitments.

Having always seen himself as a professional coach rather than a professional Rugby League coach, Kelly, who had taken all his rugby union coaching qualifications in 2000-01, made a switch to Rugby Union.

Kelly has a primary role at Ulster Rugby for improving defensive skills within the squad.