Ulster Rugby’s Chief Executive Jonny Petrie has left the province.
The Irish News understands the Ulster Rugby squad - who are currently in South Africa - were informed of the news this morning ahead of Saturday’s match with the Stormers.
Former Scotland international Petrie was appointed as CEO in January 2019 and has served for five years in the role.
Petrie’s departure is the latest high profile exit from the province after head coach Dan McFarland parted ways with Ulster in February.
During his tenure, the province failed to end their almost 20-year wait for silverware, failing to make it beyond the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup and this season failed to reach the knockout stages of the competition.
Less than a month ago Petrie assured season ticket holders that he was the man to lead the club forward amid a turbulent season and rumours of a “mass exodus” of players at the end of the season despite admitting the club requires a period of financial ‘readjustment’.
Ulster Rugby confirmed Petrie’s departure in a statement on Monday afternoon, saying:
“The IRFU and Ulster Rugby today confirm the departure of Jonny Petrie as CEO by mutual agreement.
Kevin Potts, CEO of the IRFU, says:
“The IRFU and Ulster Rugby thank Jonny for the five years spent with Ulster Rugby and wish him well, both personally and professionally, for the future.”
An interim CEO will be appointed in due course while a recruitment process is undertaken.”