Ulster Rugby have announced the return of European Cup winner and former assistant coach Jonny Bell.
Bell has agreed a three-year deal to take over from outgoing defence coach Jared Payne who is heading to Clermont this summer.
Skills coach Craig Newby has also signed a contract extension to remain at Kingspan Stadium until 2024.
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Ulster and Ireland centre Bell previously coached at Ulster as Elite Player Development Officer before becoming assistant coach from 2011-2015.
He then made the move to Gloucester, and spent five years as their defence coach before taking over as attack coach at Glasgow Warriors for the 2020-21 season.
Bell will return to Kingspan Stadium this summer from Premiership side Worcester Warriors where he is currently defence coach.
Meanwhile, former All Black Newby joined Ulster last summer on a one-year deal as skills coach from his role as Director of Rugby at St. John’s School in Leatherhead.
Newby also held roles as England U20 Women’s forwards coach and was involved in the coaching setup for both Wasps U18s and Harlequins U16s. He has signed on with the province for a further two years.
Head Coach, Dan McFarland, said: “Jonny’s homecoming to the province is an exciting prospect. Defence has been at the forefront of his game, both as a player and as a coach, and he has a wealth of coaching experience that will be hugely valuable to us.
“I know he will fit in well with our strong group of coaches, and we look forward to welcoming him back into the fold.
“It is also great that Craig has bought into what we are building on as a club, and has agreed to extend his time with us.
“He has integrated seamlessly into our coaching team, and has already done an impressive job of further developing the skills of our Senior and Academy players.“
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