Mark Anscombe. New Prophet for the “Ulster Way”?

John McMurtry

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March 8, 2012

According to Stephen Watson on the BBC, Ulster are to appoint ex Auckland Rugby Union (not Auckland Blues) Coach Mark Anscombe.

“Who he?” I hear you say, yeah well me too, but seemingly I was briefly in the same room as him in Italy during the U20’s World Championships last June when he was head coach of the New Zealand U20’s. Anscombe was appointed to head coach for the 2011 campaign having being involved with the U20’s set up for three years in various roles.

Not that being in the same room as the editor of the FRU is any recommendation for anyone and their coaching credentials. I had a chat Declan Kidney on an Airport bus on the same trip and, well frankly, he’s gone down hill since then!

Since then things haven’t gone so well for Anscombe who lost his job with Auckland Rugby Union in October 2011 with Anscombe said to be disgruntled with his axing as Auckland coach. Ultimately, the Auckland decision-making panel weren’t satisfied with results of fifth, third and fifth during Anscombe’s reign.

According to the BBC he is renowned as . . .

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4 responses to “Mark Anscombe. New Prophet for the “Ulster Way”?”

GlynnCommando

March 19, 2012

FFS! Doom and gloom mongers out in full force. Away and have a word with yourselves and give the man a chance before you hang him. I’m with Raven – nothing wrong with Humph’s player recruitment to date….while Anscombe was a bolt from the Blues (kind of) let’s see what he brings to the table….and if that includes his young lad Gareth – all the better.

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Stephen

March 9, 2012

I see we have appointed a Graham Henry look-a-like who has just been sacked! Marvellous!!

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C

March 8, 2012

So we’re replacing a coach who has (a) been successful at underage levels, (b) has the trust and confidence of the players, and (c) has finally got Ulster playing well again and to a level where we actually fancy our chances of beating Munster in Cork…

With a coach who has (a) been successful at underage levels, (b) has never worked in Europe (though at least he’s been to Italy last year for the world cup), (c) is likely to revert to a forwards-focused game, and (d) would probably struggle to name more than 5 current Ulster players.

Hmm…

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Raging Raven

March 8, 2012

Well I didn’t see this one coming, I can only assume Humph has done his homework and his coach signing will be as good as the players he has brought in.

A two year contract will hopefully see the construction work of the new stands at Ravenhill ready for the next victim. 😈

I did hear that his son was a NZ under 20 out half ………………. I wonder if he is coming too? 🙄

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