FOLLOWING a run of poor results, it was last night confirmed that Les Kiss had left his role as director of rugby with Ulster with immediate effect.
The Australian’s last game in charge saw Ulster exit the European Champions Cup after a 26-7 defeat by Wasps on January 21 – and 10 days later his time with the province came to an end.
Head coach Jono Gibbes will take charge of the team, and will oversee Ulster’s next outing against Southern Kings in the PRO14 on February 9.
Gibbes will lead the current coaching team of Dwayne Peel, Aaron Dundon and Niall Malone, and a review will be conducted to decide if additional coaching expertise is required. Operations director Bryn Cunningham will manage off-field operations.
A statement on the Ulster Rugby website said: “Ulster Rugby can confirm that Les Kiss will be leaving his post as director of rugby by mutual consent, effective immediately.
“Ulster Rugby would like to thank Les for his commitment and wish him well in his future career.”
The IRFU also thanked Kiss (above), a former Ireland assistant coach, for his “enormous contribution to Irish rugby”.
However, former Ulster and Ireland back row Stephen Ferris questioned whether Kiss’s departure would help resolve the on-field issues that have dogged the province this season.
“Will this solve the inconsistencies that have plagued the team this season?” asked Ferris, before adding: “We shall see.”
Kiss assumed control at the Kingspan Stadium in November 2015.
That followed a short interim spell the previous season following the sacking of Mark Anscombe in the summer of 2014.
