McFarland gets green light as deal finally done

DAN McFARLAND starts work as Ulster head coach today after the IRFU and Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) finally came to an agreement over his release. McFarland was confirmed as Jono Gibbes’ successor in April on a three-year contract, but the SRU insisted that their assistant coach would have to serve out his nine-month notice period. Ireland forwards coach Simon Easterby took up a temporary role as the details of McFarland’s start date were being finalised, but the IRFU yesterday confirmed that he starts today ahead of the Pro14 opener against Scarlets at Kingspan Stadium on September 1. Meanwhile, Chris Ashton has joined Danny Cipriani in potentially jeopardising his England career while in the midst of inducing its revival. Two days after Cipriani pleaded guilty to common assault and resisting arrest following a nightclub brawl, Ashton is facing a possible ban for punching Rory Kockott in Sale’s pre-season friendly victory over Castres on Friday night. Both players were sent off after clashing in a fiery match in Saint Affrique and although the game was staged in France, normal procedures of England’s RFU apply. Referee Romain Poite’s report is expected to be delivered to the RFU this morning and given that video footage shows Ashton throwing a left hook, the dual code international could be summoned before a disciplinary hearing next week. The entry-point sanction for punching is two weeks, but this climbs to four if it is deemed the intended target was Kockott’s head with the top end opening with an eightweek ban.