It was today confirmed that Alex Codling will leave Ulster Rugby at the end of the season to take up the position of Head Coach with Ealing Trailfinders.
The former England international was appointed as Forwards Coach for the Hughes Insurance Ulster Rugby Academy in May 2015 and took up the position of Head Coach of the Ulster A team, sponsored by CD Group, ahead of this season's British & Irish Cup.
Codling has overseen the progress of a number of local young players who have made the step up to play senior rugby, but he admits that he is sad to be leaving the Province:
"I've really enjoyed the year I have had with Ulster, but circumstances regarding my house dictate that I'm unable to stay on beyond this season.
"I have worked with some brilliant people during my time here, from the Academy staff, to the senior coaches, through to the clubs and schools across the Province. I'm proud to have worked with such a talented bunch of players in both the Academy and the A set up and I wish them well in their future careers.
"I've witnessed local young players pushing on into the senior squad and I've no doubt more will follow suit in the near future. The structures in place within Ulster Rugby are first class and the Academy is in a very healthy state under Kieran Campbell.
Will be big boots to fill, I wonder were it all went wrong.
As we head towards the end of the season only John Donnan and David Shanahan are due to leave the Academy at the end of the season. Would you give either a development contract for next year?
Personally I wouldn't, just intrigued to see what others think.
You haven't seen me at my best yet. Let's be honest, you probably never will.
“For the liespotter who knows how to listen well, the random words, sounds, and phrases in a person's speech are never as random as they seem. They offer a clear sightline into the liar's psyche.”
Donnan - we seem well-stocked in the second row for next season and no place for him. That he hasn't been able to earn a first team appearance ahead of Browne this season makes me doubt any potential he may have.
Shanahan - any scrum-half who is unable to displace Beagle in the Ulster team isn't worth a contract.
You haven't seen me at my best yet. Let's be honest, you probably never will.
Haven't seen enough of Donnan to judge him and was hoping I would get a chance this season if it weren't for Browne! Shanahan I believe should be playing in front of Paul, so yes I would have him on a development contract especially considering we haven't much else now, and doubt we will for next season.
Donnan - we seem well-stocked in the second row for next season and no place for him. That he hasn't been able to earn a first team appearance ahead of Browne this season makes me doubt any potential he may have.
Shanahan - any scrum-half who is unable to displace Beagle in the Ulster team isn't worth a contract.
I would certainly keep Shanahan, you need 3 or 4 scrum halfs and assuming the drums are tapping out with Rowley and in with Porter that still requires the mascot to remain ...........unless of course somebody is making a case for the likes of Young?
Donnan I genuinely have no idea, the fact that he has been given a minute is a problem. If he were on basic rations for the duration and we can afford to keep him to give him some more time to develop then keep him if they consider there is potential.
What I will say is that I hope we don't revert to type and start again to get lads in for some game time come the early part of the season, now is not the time obviously when we are two defeats away from a nothing season. Unless of course we lose the next two, then they could give me a game never mind young Donnan.
NEVER MOVE ON. Years on, I cannot ever watch Ireland with anything but indifference, I continue to wish for the imminent death of Donal Spring, the FIRFUC's executioner of Wee Paddy & Wee Stu, and I hate the FIRFUCs with undiminished passion.
Donnan - we seem well-stocked in the second row for next season and no place for him. That he hasn't been able to earn a first team appearance ahead of Browne this season makes me doubt any potential he may have.
Shanahan - any scrum-half who is unable to displace Beagle in the Ulster team isn't worth a contract.
Should we let Alex Thompson go too then?
No. He still has another year in the Academy in which to make an impact.
In my opinion if you aren't making some sort of impact on the first team by the time you're leaving the Academy then you aren't worth keeping. Donnan has made exactly zero impact on our first team and Shanahan has made little to no impact, which I feel bad about because both should have had more chances. Ultimately though, I'd get rid of them both.
You haven't seen me at my best yet. Let's be honest, you probably never will.
Furthermore I would be reluctant to see any forward with anything about him going without being properly tested such is the lack of anything coming through. We can't afford to waste an talent there may be so that us why u find bringing in the likes of the clowns we did last summer so frustrating, they could all clear off in the summer and all we would have done is block nipper opportunities.
Much as I haven't much time for him, the Inspector had something of a small impact, the others none.
NEVER MOVE ON. Years on, I cannot ever watch Ireland with anything but indifference, I continue to wish for the imminent death of Donal Spring, the FIRFUC's executioner of Wee Paddy & Wee Stu, and I hate the FIRFUCs with undiminished passion.
BaggyTrousers wrote: Unless of course we lose the next two, then they could give me a game never mind young Donnan.
If that comes to pass Baggy, do you want buried here or in Spain? Or if it's ashes, scattered here or there?
You tap into my greatest fear Cap'n, the thought of dying here appalls me. However should that come to pass I care not how I am disposed of. Fire and planted anonymously under a bush as fertiliser or just thrown in the bin it will matter not a jot.
NEVER MOVE ON. Years on, I cannot ever watch Ireland with anything but indifference, I continue to wish for the imminent death of Donal Spring, the FIRFUC's executioner of Wee Paddy & Wee Stu, and I hate the FIRFUCs with undiminished passion.
sorry Rocky
