Shane Logan to step down as Ulster chief executive

Ulster Rugby's Shane Logan is to stand down from his role as chief executive officer in August.

Logan has spent eight years in the position and Ulster and the Irish Rugby Football Union will now begin a recruitment process to find his successor.

"I am very grateful to have had the privilege of being chief executive of Ulster Rugby since 2010," Logan said in a statement on the province's official website.

"We have been able to build a fine stadium, repay our debts, deliver consistent profit and strong commercial growth.

"This is now allowing us to invest in our clubs, schools and very significantly in our academy.

"In terms of win ratios, the senior Ulster team has become more competitive but I am as disappointed as anybody not to have landed that elusive trophy."

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: "Having strong, financially secure provinces is vital to Irish rugby, and Shane has worked with teams, managers, sponsors, government and other sports effectively over eight years at Ulster Rugby.

"We thank Shane for his dedication to Ulster Rugby and are sorry to see him go, but wish him all the very best for the future."

Logan did not say why he was stepping down in his statement.

His announcement comes following a testing year for Ulster, which included the high-profile rape trial involving players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding.

Jackson and Olding were found not guilty of raping the same woman but other aspects of their behaviour were heavily criticised and they had their contracts with Ulster and the Irish Rugby Football Union revoked in April.

Ulster also saw director of rugby Les Kiss and head coach Jono Gibbes leave the province in 2018.