Dan McFarland, the head coach of Ulster Rugby, is set to step down after nearly six seasons in charge, marking a mid-season departure. This decision comes amid a period of unrest among fans, frustrating defeats in the league and European competitions, and Ulster's current eighth-place ranking in the United Rugby Championship (URC). Reports suggest that McFarland's decision was influenced by Sunday's last-minute defeat to Ospreys, allegations of having lost the support of the locker room, and a report by @BelTel indicating that the squad will be informed of his departure during training on Wednesday. McFarland's tenure at Ulster, as reported by @UlsterRugby, has been the longest of any head coach in the professional era of the team.
Dan McFarland: Ulster Rugby head coach set to leave after six years in charge https://t.co/dn5DJLF0R4
Dan McFarland to step down after almost six seasons in charge of Ulster #URC #UlsterRugby Read more below ⤵️ https://t.co/XdgpxaodXv
Ulster head coach Dan McFarland to step down https://t.co/U6khX96snS
Was at Swansea on Sunday and there was talk there of Dan “having lost the dressing room”. It’s tough because he’s done well wherever he’s been. Ulster going through a rough patch with more to come before things improve. https://t.co/aPvrCNU8Im
Ulster Rugby have parted company with Dan McFarland, their longest running head coach of the professional era according to the @BelTel which understands the squad will be informed of his departure when reporting for training on Wednesday morning. @UlsterRugby
Ulster coach Dan McFarland is ready to step away from his position after Sunday’s last-minute defeat to Ospreys, according to reports in Ireland. https://t.co/ghatd5kSGe
⚪️🔴 NEW: Irish media are reporting that Ulster coach Dan McFarland will step down after nearly six seasons in charge. A mid-season departure with Ulster currently eighth in the URC. Lots of unrest amongst the fans with frustrating defeats in the league and Europe. #BKTURC
🗣️ “This is toxic. Not a view held by any right thinking Ulster Rugby fan." ☘️ The knives are out for Ulster head coach Dan McFarland. #URC https://t.co/KDmLM0oiZ4
I’d imagine Steve Boden’s decision to leave Doncaster was part borne out of frustration at the glass ceiling that exists in English rugby. Where are talented, aspirational coaches supposed to go? That pathway needs looking at too.