Ulster Rugby today confirmed a number of recent appointments to its Management Team. Having recruited heavily both on and off the pitch in the last number of months, Ulster Rugby has boosted its backroom staff with the introduction of new personnel for the positions of Defence Coach, Performance Analyst; Physiotherapist and Resource Manager.

Peter Sharp has been employed as a specialist defense coach on a short term contract and boasts an impressive rugby CV having coached at the top level in Australia's National Rugby League with the Newcastle Knights, the Manly Sea Eagles, Melbourne Storm and Parramatta Eels. Sharp left his native Australia in 2006 when he took up a position with Hull FC Rugby League where he helped the side get reach the finals of the Super League in 2006.
Sharp is clearly an ambitious coach and has been impressed with the standard of players at Ulster,

"I am impressed; they are a young side and very keen to learn with a great attitude to training and their rugby. Their defense is a lot better than I thought it would be so I have been pleasantly surprised about that. As a squad they are very skilful and I am really looking forward to watching them play tomorrow night against Bath. I have only coached rugby league before but the principles of league and union are similar in a lot of areas. I am really excited about this challenge"

Alex McCloy has taken up the role as Performance Analyst within the management team. The former Ballymena Academy pupil and keen golfer has also played scrumhalf for both Ballymena and Belfast Harlequins. Alex holds a BA Honours in Sport and Exercise Science as well as a PHD in Sport Bio Mechanics and worked with Andrew Bestre for four years both at Belfast Harlequins and as a consultant at Earth Titans in Rotherham. Alex is delighted with his appointment at Ravenhill;

"I am really excited about working with Ulster, I have been with the team for a few months now and I have enjoyed it so far. It is a very professional set up here at Ulster and the players are all keen to learn and want to win. I am looking forward to the season ahead and to tomorrow night's game against Bath""

Alan McCaldin joins the management team as Physiotherapist and will be working alongside resident Ulster Physiotherapist Gareth Robinson as well as with the Ulster Rugby Academy level one Players at UUJ. McCaldin was educated at Banbridge Academy and completed his degree at the University of Ulster. A keen rugby player himself, Alan recently retired from the 1stXV at Dromore Rugby club following a 17year playing career. Alan has previously worked with the Sports Institute of Northern Ireland and Dungannon RFC as well as having his own private practice.

Alan is delighted to be working at Ravenhill and said this of the opportunity;
" I have always supported Ulster; one of my earliest memories is watching Dr Irwin winning an Inter pro title here at Ravenhill. I am enjoying working alongside GG and the rest of the squad and am very much looking forward to the season ahead"

The final new recruit to the team is in the shape of Mick Ennis, who was appointed towards the end of last season as Resource Manager. Mick is originally from Australia and moved to Ulster 18 months ago with his wife. Mick has always been involved in the sports industry, having spent numerous ski seasons in Colorado and Canada working as a ski instructor as well as owning and running a sports business in Port Douglas, Australia for ten years. Mick's title of Resource Manager means that he has responsibility for ensuring the players always have the correct training equipment, kit and refreshments both at home and at away games.
As a registered masseuse Mick is also able to spend between 8-10 hours a week working on the players as part of their recovery. Apart from the change in the weather from Australia Mick has settled in well,

"I really enjoy Belfast and working with the players, they are a great bunch of lads. I admire the supporters who come to Ravenhill, rain, hail or shine and I hope they keep up the singing voices this season"

Ulster Rugby Scrum consultant Reggie Corrigan will continue to work with the team one day a week, and with all the playing squad and back room staff confirmed for the season ahead, the Ulster team can focus on their game against Bath tomorrow night (Friday 15th August).

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