Best confirmed as new Ulster Rugby General Manager

Rory Best will return to Ulster Rugby as General Manager, succeeding Bryn Cunningham who announced he was stepping down in September.

The former Ireland and Ulster captain retired from playing after the 2019 World Cup before taking up coaching roles with Fiji and Major League Rugby side Seattle Seawolves, while also featuring as a pundit.

However, the 43-year-old returns back to Ravenhill in a different guise as the province continues a rebuilding job on and off the pitch following a difficult few seasons.

Cunningham, who played 150 times for Ulster, announced last month he was stepping down as general manager after 11 years in the role "to take on a new challenge".

Part of Cunningham's remit was in player recruitment and retention, while the 47-year-old confirmed a "robust 3–5-year strategy" has been put in place to turn the province's fortunes around.

His announcement came just days before a pre-season friendly with Edinburgh, having secured the signatures of Juarno Augustus and Angus Bell.

Best will be tasked with building on Cunningham's work to help turn Ulster back into contenders in the United Rugby Championship and return to the Champions Cup, having missed out on qualification for Europe's blue riband competition this season.