Matt Williams has finally been confirmed as the new Ulster head coach and will ultimately take over duties from caretaker coach Steve Williams after Mark McCall stepped down last month.

Williams succeeds McCall who resigned in November following Ulster's heavy defeat to Gloucester in the Heineken Cup.
  
Williams accepted the job today, having been given the festive period to consider the offer following interview before the Christmas break. The Australian signed a two-and-a-half year contract.

Ulster Rugby Chief Executive Michael Reid informed the management team and the players immediately at a squad meeting at Newforge ahead of training.

Williams is expected to arrive in Belfast for a short visit this week when he will meet some players and hold a press conference with local media. He will also watch Ulster take on Munster in the Magners Celtic League at Ravenhill next Friday night, before returning to Australia to tie up some of his affairs.

Caretaker coach Steve Williams will remain in charge of team affairs for Ulster's next three matches - against Munster in the Magners League and the back-to-back Heineken Cup matches against Bourgoin and Gloucester - before Williams arrives permanently in the province at the end of January.

After the Heineken Cup match against Gloucester on the 20th January, Ulster have a break until they entertain the Dragons at Ravenhill in mid-February, and the natural break in fixtures will provide Williams with an ideal opportunity familiarise on his new role.