Ireland Under-20 scrum coach Aaron Dundon believes Richie Murphy is “ready” to take on his first senior role as Ulster head coach.

“He’s a fantastic coach, he’s very ambitious and he wants to keep progressing his career,” said Dundon.

Murphy will take over as interim head coach until the end of the season.

Dundon added: “I don’t think it was too much of a shock [that he got the job], we know he is a top-class coach and he was going to get picked up sooner rather than later.”

Murphy worked as a skills coach with Leinster’s senior side before he was appointed Ireland’s Under-20 head coach in 2021.

He has since guided Ireland to back-to-back Grand Slams, and they are on course to retain the championship again this year having won their opening two games.

Murphy will take up the post as Ulster interim boss after the conclusion of the Under-20s Six Nations on 15 March, with Dundon revealing he refused to leave during the tournament.

“One of the things Richie said is that he is not walking out on us during the Six Nations and that is testament to the man he is,” he said.

“He is going to be fully committed until the end of the under-20 season.”

The 41-year old also maintains Murphy’s success with the under-20s demonstrates he is capable of making the step up to taking charge of a senior side.

“I think he’s been ready [for a senior head coach role] for quite a while. He’s enjoyed the under-20 programme and has enjoyed working with young players and making them better.

“We’re all delighted for him, all the players and staff wish him the best. I think you can see over the last couple of years what he has done with the players and staff.

“He has been great for the under-20 environment and you can see that the players play for him and they have great enjoyment working with him. He has a really good relationship with all of them.”

Murphy will try to revitalise an Ulster side that has lost its past three games in all competitions and are eighth in the United Rugby Championship table.

They were knocked out of the Investec Champions Cup in the group stages after three defeats in four games, but Dundon insists Murphy can turn around the province’s fortunes.

“He’s going to be really good up in Ulster,” he added. “He’s going up to a great environment with some great players and it is a really positive move for him.”