Ulster have added to their backroom staff for next season by acquiring Bristol backs coach Dwayne Peel.
Peel’s arrival as an assistant coach came a day after the news that Clermont forwards coach and former Ospreys coach Jono Gibbes will arrive next season as Head Coach of Ulster.
The former Wales and British and Irish Lion scrum-half has signed a two-year deal in Belfast as did former All Black Gibbes.
Peel made twenty appearances as a player for Bristol before joining the coaching staff at the beginning of the season.
Peel said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with Bristol Rugby – both as a player and a coach – and it’s a Club that I have a close affinity to.
“I’d like to thank Mark [Tainton] and the coaching team for the support that they have shown me. As a young coach, I’m looking forward to a new chapter in the PRO12 with Ulster.
“Until May, my focus is on Bristol Rugby and working with the players to ensure we retain our top flight status.”
Ulster Director of Rugby Les Kiss said:”I’m very pleased that Dwayne will join us from next season. He’s a talented coach who has a great understanding of the game and I’m really excited by what he will bring to our environment.
“It was obvious through my discussions with Dwayne that he has an exceptional coaching eye and he will provide us with refreshing insight and ideas.
“After Jono (Gibbes) agreed to join us, it was clear that Dwayne was going to be a great fit for our coaching group for next season. Once I identified Jono and Dwayne, the Ulster Professional Game Board was fully behind my decision, and Bryn (Cunningham) worked hard to ensure the deals were completed. They will both be terrific additions.”