ULSTER HAVE CONFIRMED that Jonny Bell has departed his role as defence coach by mutual consent.
The province have stated that Bell is pursuing ‘a new career opportunity outside of rugby’ and the club agreed as a result to release him from his contract.
The news end Bell’s association with Ulster rugby that spans over four decades. He joined as a player from school before making his senior debut at the age of 18.
He was player of the match when Ulster won the 1999 European Cup final against Colomiers, while he also helped them win the 2003 Celtic Cup and 2006 Celtic League titles.
Advertisement
Ulster Rugby can confirm that Jonny Bell has departed his role as Defence Coach of the senior men’s team by mutual consent.
We thank Jonny for his dedication and contributions, both on and off the field, and wish him every success in his next chapter.
Bell started his coaching career as a PE teacher at Campbell College Belfast, before taking on a full-time role in the Ulster Rugby Academy.
He worked as an elite development officer and assistant coach with the province, before joining Gloucester in 2015. He returned to Ulster in 2022 as defence coach, after working with Glasgow Warriors and Worcester Warriors.
“Ulster Rugby has been a huge part of my life for over 30 years, and it has been an absolute privilege to represent and coach my home province,” said Bell.
“From growing up watching the heroes of the ‘80s, I developed a passion for the game and the province that has stayed with me since. To go on to play and work with such talented and dedicated players and staff over the years is something that I am incredibly grateful for, and I have cherished every moment.
“While it’s time for me to step into a new challenge outside of rugby, my passion for Ulster will never change. I am deeply thankful to everyone who has supported me throughout this incredible journey. I look forward to following the team as a fan and wish them every success for the future.”
Jonny Bell and Rab Irwin celebrate Ulster's win over Toulouse in 1998. INPHO / Andrew Paton
INPHO / Andrew Paton / Andrew Paton
Ulster Rugby’s General Manager Bryn Cunningham hailed Bell’s contribution and gave an update on their coaching setup.
“First and foremost, I’d like to thank Jonny for his incredible contribution to rugby in Ulster over many years. As a proud Ulster man, there are few people who have made the impact that he has on and off the pitch over such a long period of time. His work ethic and passion for his home province leaves an indelible mark on those of us who have been fortunate to have shared a pitch or worked with him.
“With the news that Jonny has agreed to take up a new role outside of rugby, we have agreed to his request to be released from his contract to give him time to suitably prepare for it, and we wish him and his family well for the future.
“With Jonny moving on, we can also confirm that Willie Faloon, having been involved in a support capacity with the senior squad in recent months, will take on a more active role on a day-to-day basis for the remainder of the season. Full details of the coaching group for the 25/26 season will be confirmed in the very near future.”
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Close
22 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic.
Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy
here
before taking part.
Ulster confirm departure of defence coach Bell by mutual consent
ULSTER HAVE CONFIRMED that Jonny Bell has departed his role as defence coach by mutual consent.
The province have stated that Bell is pursuing ‘a new career opportunity outside of rugby’ and the club agreed as a result to release him from his contract.
The news end Bell’s association with Ulster rugby that spans over four decades. He joined as a player from school before making his senior debut at the age of 18.
He was player of the match when Ulster won the 1999 European Cup final against Colomiers, while he also helped them win the 2003 Celtic Cup and 2006 Celtic League titles.
Bell started his coaching career as a PE teacher at Campbell College Belfast, before taking on a full-time role in the Ulster Rugby Academy.
He worked as an elite development officer and assistant coach with the province, before joining Gloucester in 2015. He returned to Ulster in 2022 as defence coach, after working with Glasgow Warriors and Worcester Warriors.
“Ulster Rugby has been a huge part of my life for over 30 years, and it has been an absolute privilege to represent and coach my home province,” said Bell.
“From growing up watching the heroes of the ‘80s, I developed a passion for the game and the province that has stayed with me since. To go on to play and work with such talented and dedicated players and staff over the years is something that I am incredibly grateful for, and I have cherished every moment.
“While it’s time for me to step into a new challenge outside of rugby, my passion for Ulster will never change. I am deeply thankful to everyone who has supported me throughout this incredible journey. I look forward to following the team as a fan and wish them every success for the future.”
Ulster Rugby’s General Manager Bryn Cunningham hailed Bell’s contribution and gave an update on their coaching setup.
“First and foremost, I’d like to thank Jonny for his incredible contribution to rugby in Ulster over many years. As a proud Ulster man, there are few people who have made the impact that he has on and off the pitch over such a long period of time. His work ethic and passion for his home province leaves an indelible mark on those of us who have been fortunate to have shared a pitch or worked with him.
“With the news that Jonny has agreed to take up a new role outside of rugby, we have agreed to his request to be released from his contract to give him time to suitably prepare for it, and we wish him and his family well for the future.
“With Jonny moving on, we can also confirm that Willie Faloon, having been involved in a support capacity with the senior squad in recent months, will take on a more active role on a day-to-day basis for the remainder of the season. Full details of the coaching group for the 25/26 season will be confirmed in the very near future.”
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Exit Jonny Bell Rugby Ulster