The right man for the job?

Ulster operations director Bryn Cunningham revealed over the weekend the northern province have found their new head coach, with Jono Gibbes set to depart in the summer.

But they say they are unable to name the new coach for several weeks, for reasons Cunningham would not go into.

“We are happy but unfortunately we are not able to announce it until a few more weeks,” said Cunningham.

“It was really important to get a bit of solidity in Ulster looking towards next season and the future and we are very pleased about that.

“We have respect for each other’s situation,”

“At this stage it would be disrespectful to go against the wishes of other people so for now we will just keep his name quiet.”

So who is the mysterious man? Well speculation is growing today, with The Irish Independent suggesting Scotland assistant coach Dan McFarland could be that man.

McFarland knows Irish Rugby all too well, having spent 15 years at Connacht, six as a prop and nine as an assistant coach, as well as stints with the Irish U20s and Wolfhound sides.

He’s also highly regarded by Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend who brought him to Glasgow Warriors and Scotland. The report suggests he is in the running along with Jim Mallinder, Glenn Moore and Steve Tandy.