Steinmetz to coach Ulster backs

Sunday 24th August 2008

Paul Steinmetz: Taking charge of the Ulster back-line

Paul Steinmetz: Taking charge of the Ulster back-line

Ulster have appointed centre Paul Steinmetz as a player/coach with the Irish province for the 2008/09 season.

Alongside his own training, Steinmetz will coach the backs.

"For me, this is a huge opportunity to potentially bridge the gap between being a professional player and having a proper job as a coach," he said.

"Coaching was never a lifetime ambition for me but certainly at the end of the season I will be looking more into which direction I go in."

"I am learning a lot working alongside the Ulster coaches and there is plenty of knowledge to draw on every day.

"The biggest fear I had about the shift in my role was whether or not the players would listen to me, but so far they seem to be keen to listen so that is great," added the Ulster centre.

Gallery - International Rugby - Week Two

Wales struggle against Canada after losing James Hook to injury early on But two tries from Leigh Halfpenny help wrap up a 34-13 victory Morgan Stoaddart also crossed for Wales, who were far from convincing