Ulster begin search for new coach

Steve Williams has taken temporary charge of Ulster

Ulster Rugby chief executive Michael Reid says "the net will be spread worldwide" in the search for a successor to coach Mark McCall.

"We won't be making a new appointment with undue haste but we will look to have someone in position as soon as practically possible," said Reid.

McCall's assistant Steve Williams will take temporary charge of the team until a permanent appointment is made.

Former Welsh coach Gareth Jenkins is thought to be interested in the job.

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Jenkins led Llanelli Scarlets to two Heineken Cup semi-finals prior to his appointment to the national job.

Jenkins was dismissed from his position as Wales coach after failing to qualify from the group stages at this year's Rugby World Cup.

Former Ulster coach Alan Solomons, Brian McLaughlin, one of Ireland's assistant coaches, and Andre Bester have also been linked with the job as they are all presently living in the province.

Solomons was coach of Ulster from 2001 to 2004 before leaving for Northampton and is presently in a consultancy role with Belfast Harlequins.

The South African is a top IRB consultant and strategist who oversaw the World Cup preparations of Namibia, Georgia and the USA.