Solomons backs McCall

Alan Solomons has an unbeaten home European Cup record

Alan Solomons says that his former assistant Mark McCall should get the Director of Rugby job at Ulster when he departs at the end of May.

The 54-year-old South African backed McCall for the job as Ulster begin to the search for a new coach.

''I think certainly that Mark has the ability to take Ulster rugby forward,'' said Solomons.

''Part of my succession planning was to bring Mark along. I think he has proved himself here at Ulster.''

The choice of 36-year-old McCall would fall into the IRFU's idea of choosing provincial coaches from their own staff.

Other names being bandied about at present within the IRFU system are Leinster assistant Willie Anderson, Allan Clarke, who heads Ulster's Elite Player programme, and Michael Bradley, who has worked wonders for Connacht this season.

Solomons leaves following refusing an offer to accept a two-eyar extension to his present contract.

''It was an enormously tough decision to go,'' said Solomons who has taken a two-year contract at Franklin's Gardens.

"It's unfortunate that I have to leave. It was impossible for me to gain a long-term future at Ravenhill,

Whilst I look forward to a new and exciting challenge it is with somewhat of a heavy heart that I leave Ulster Alan Solomons

''In my three-year tenure with Ulster I set out strategic goals and I believe I have met those goals.

''I feel now that the job is done, and it is time for me to move on and for some-one else to take Ulster on the next stage of the journey,

''I have been most fortunate to secure a coaching position at Northampton, a proud club with a rich and illustrious history.

''Whilst I look forward to a new and exciting challenge it is with somewhat of a heavy heart that I leave Ulster.

'I have loved every single minute of my time here. The support I have had from the squad, the management team, the Ulster Branch, the IRFU and the public has been immense.

''I thank them for three wonderful years. The Northern Irish are the finest people I have ever met, and a piece of my heart will always be in 'the wee country'.