McFarland thrilled to bring in Mathewson

ULSTER head coach Dan McFarland has welcomed the experience that former All Black Alby Mathewson will bring to his squad next season.

With John Cooney’s exceptional form rewarded with increased Ireland involvement, the province’s first-choice No.9 is set to miss increasing periods of action at Kingspan Stadium.

The panel already contains 26-year-old Dave Shanahan — who has started the past two games with Cooney featuring in the Six Nations — and Jonny Stewart, while Lewis Finlay may yet be brought into the full Academy having impressed recently for the Irish Under-20s when a member of the sub-Academy and Wallace High pupil Nathan Doak has already featured for the A team in the Celtic Cup.

With such a young profile behind Cooney, McFarland is keen to welcome Mathewson to the fold, with the 34-year-old being widely praised by head coach Johann van Graan for his work mentoring Munster’s young scrum-halves during his spell in

Limerick that drew to a close in November last year.

“We are delighted that a player of Alby’s quality is set to join the squad,” McFarland said.

“His leadership skills and extensive experience will be a valuable addition to our squad — especially for our younger scrum-halves as they progress in their development journeys in the months ahead. We look forward to giving him a warm welcome.”

Meanwhile, Ospreys have appointed Toby Booth as their new head coach on a three-year deal.

The Swansea-based Guinness PRO14 region announced that Booth will take charge this summer, filling the gap left by former Ulster star Allen Clarke’s dismissal.

Booth made his name during a successful four-year stint as London Irish boss.