ULSTER HAVE MADE their second management appointment in the space of three days with the province announcing the arrival of Dwayne Peel as assistant coach from next season.
The former Welsh international scrum-half has signed a two-year contract at Ravenhill and his appointment follows the acquisition of Jono Gibbes as head coach.
Peel, who won 76 caps for Wales and played in three Tests for the Lions in 2005, is currently the backs coach at Bristol and will take up the same position at Ulster as part of Les Kiss’ coaching shake-up.
“I’m delighted to have this opportunity. Ulster is one of the big clubs in European rugby and I’m looking forward to working with a large contingent of quality players,” Peel said.
“Coaching was always a natural progression for me and I’m really enjoying my role with Bristol. Over the years I’ve spent time in different environments trying to pick things up that will benefit my career and this move to Belfast is another step in the right direction.
“I’ve talked with Les (Kiss) a lot over the past couple of weeks and it’s exciting for me to work with someone of his calibre. I’m looking forward to getting started in the summer, but my focus will be with Bristol until the end of the season.”
Peel only retired at the end of last season due to injury but has already developed into a promising young coach after a distinguished player career which saw him win the Grand Slam in 2005 and 2008 and captain Wales at the 2007 World Cup.
His role at Kingspan Stadium will largely be to oversee the province’s attacking strategy while Gibbes will focus on the forwards and Kiss on defence.
“I’m very pleased that Dwayne will join us from next season,” Director of Rugby, Kiss, said.
“He’s a talented coach who has a great understanding of the game and I’m really excited by what he will bring to our environment.
“It was obvious through my discussions with Dwayne that he has an exceptional coaching eye and he will provide us with refreshing insight and ideas.
“After Jono (Gibbes) agreed to join us, it was clear that Dwayne was going to be a great fit for our coaching group for next season. Once I identified Jono and Dwayne, the Ulster Professional Game Board was fully behind my decision, and Bryn (Cunningham) worked hard to ensure the deals were completed. They will both be terrific additions.”
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