Stephen Ferris has played down reports of changing room unrest within the Ulster camp.
Reports surfaced during the week that some players were becoming frustrated with a lack of playing time this season, with speculation suggesting head coach Dan McFarland wasn't on the same wave length as his URC title-chasing squad.
Former Ulster and Ireland star Ferris believes some of the scrutiny is unfair, considering McFarland has helped guide Ulster to a second-place finish in the Ulster Rugby Championship which guarantees home advantage for the upcoming play-offs.
Read more: Mark Allen carrying daughter's inspiration on his wrist for world title bid
He told Viaplay Sports: "Obviously there have been rumblings over the past couple of months of a bit of unrest in the Ulster camp. It all stemmed off the back of that blip in the middle of the season.
"And everyone wasn't happy at that time. Even Dan McFarland's job was being questioned at the time, but they came out of it.
"Dan McFarland can only pick 23 players every week. There are 40 lads in the squad, so there are 17 other lads who will be, 'Why am I not getting a game? Why is he not selecting me?'.
"The coaches I played under, who didn't pick somebody, they suddenly became a 'terrible coach'. Why? Because 'he didn't pick me'."
Ulster overcame a tough Edinburgh side on Friday night to round off the regular season with a 28-14 victory in Belfast. They finished second in the standings, behind leaders Leinster whose squad is dominated by players from the best Test team in the world.
Ferris believes Ulster have been "punching above their weight", especially after overcoming a mid-season slump.
He added: "Dan McFarland has got this group of players who are second in the table and have a chance of a home semi-final. I think this group punches above its weight, and consistently over the past couple of seasons.
"You don't have to be a likeable guy to be a good coach. So some people might not get on with Dan McFarland, and it might not always be Dan's fault, it might be some of the other coaches.
"But he seems to get the best out of the group at the right times."
READ NEXT:
- Belfast brothers set to eclipse £100K fundraising target with boxing event
Marty Clarke clarifies Jim McGuinness role as Down bid to topple Donegal
Barry Johnston on Cliftonville's 'hybrid' plans and new manager hunt
Paddy McLaughlin opens up on Cliftonville 'dread' and Derry City opportunity
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
