Anscombe let go by Ulster
For mer Auckland coach Mark Anscombe was surprisingly fired as coach of Ulster on the first day of the new Northern Hemisphere season. Anscombe, who joined Ulster on a two- year deal in 2012, signed a one- year extension in February. His initial work at the club had been acclaimed by players and executives and Ulster pushed to be considered a European heavyweight.
But when director of rugby David Humphreys unexpectedly quit his role in May, some of the senior players are reported to have been concerned that Anscombe would no longer be the right man to coach the club.
It is believed that the senior players had lost faith in the New Zealander and approached the board to make the change.
“I would like to pay tribute to the contribution that Mark Anscombe has made over the past two seasons and to thank him for his hard work and dedication,” said Ulster Rugby chief executive Shane Logan in a statement.
“Les Kiss will have an expanded remit for the Province’s director of rugby and will lead the coaching staff, assisted by Jonny Bell and Neil Doak and will manage first team selection,” explained Logan.
Under Anscombe, Ulster reached the quarterfinals of the Heineken Cup twice, losing to English Premiership outfit Saracens on both occasions. They lost to Leinster in the Pro12 decider in 2013 and fell to the same opposition at the semifinal stage this season.