Ulster have continued their march for the top 8 of the URC with a bonus point 31-20 win away in Llanelli against the Scarlets.
After an enraging first half which saw Ulster get held up over the line multiple times, Ulster were finally able to take advantage in the second half of a two-man advantage after Gareth Davies and Taine Plumtree were sin-binned.
Staurt McCloskey was able to split the Scarlets defence to go over and Ulster took the momentum from there. Tries for Nick Timoney, David McCann and lastly Jacob Stockdale were enough to give Ulster the win and with that 6th place, five points above Connacht in 9th.
Richie Murphy Says Talks Are "Going Well" About Staying As Permanent Ulster Boss
Ulster have had an uptick in form and the way they're playing since Richie Murphy's arrival. While it's still not perfect it's hard to see any reasons why Ulster wouldn't keep Murphy on beyond the end of this season.
Despite this there was rumours last month that Ulster were going to bring in a new coach and forgo the opportunity to keep Murphy. However the latest word is that Murphy will stay on and will be joined by his son and Ireland U20 out-half Jack Murphy in the summer.
Speaking to Premier Sports after their win against the Scarlets, Murphy said that the ongoing talks were positive and seemed quietly confident that he'll stay on.
Yeah things are moving along and discussions are going well, I suppose over the next while we'll see how it goes. The big focus was to always try get them to the end of the year and then let's see where we go from there.
🗣️ "It's been really good - the lads have taken to me really well so far."@UlsterRugby's interim head coach Richie Murphy joins our panel after today's win in Wales against Scarlets ⚪#RaceToTheEight | #KidsRound pic.twitter.com/MqMQj0FZtQ
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) May 11, 2024
A lot of work needs to be done at Ulster off the pitch but with Richie Murphy they have a coach with one of the best track records for developing young players and with Ulster's current financial status they need to rely on their academy more than ever.
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