Ireland Under-20 scrum coach Aaron Dundon believes Richie Murphy is “ready” to take on his first senior role as Ulster head coach. <\/span><\/p>\n “He’s a fantastic coach, he’s very ambitious and he wants to keep progressing his career,” said Dundon.<\/span><\/p>\n Murphy will take over as interim head coach until the end of the season.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.”<\/span><\/p>\n Murphy worked as a skills coach with Leinster’s senior side before he was appointed Ireland’s Under-20 head coach in 2021. <\/span><\/p>\n 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. <\/span><\/p>\n 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. <\/span><\/p>\n “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.<\/span><\/p>\n “He is going to be fully committed until the end of the under-20 season.”<\/span><\/p>\n 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. <\/span><\/p>\n “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.<\/span><\/p>\n “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. <\/span><\/p>\n “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.”<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n 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. <\/span><\/p>\n![\"Richie](\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/624\/cpsprodpb\/B96E\/production\/_132707474_gettyimages-1248666123.jpg\")
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