RECENTLY RETIRED Ireland and Ulster outhalf David Humphreys has been named Ulster Rugby's operations director. The newly created role sees the 72-times capped 36-year-old move directly from the playing field to office environment yet remain within the confines of the professional game.

A qualified solicitor, Humphreys expressed no interest in a coaching role and will report directly to Ulster chief executive Michael Reid. The position will see him involved in player contracts and negotiations, while liaising with the coaching staff, and building the profile of Ulster Rugby in the commercial sector.

He will have a strong input into "off-field issues," said Reid.

Humphreys added: "While my experiences as a player will stand me in good stead in terms of a number of my responsibilities relating to the professional team and the academy, one of the main attractions of the role was the opportunity to get involved with the general management and business of Ulster Rugby, and stretch myself in a new area."

Meanwhile, Australia hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau has been ruled out of next week's Test against Ireland with a broken hand.

Polota-Nau, one of three hookers in the squad, was due to undergo surgery yesterday that would keep him sidelined for up to a month.