Pertemps
Bees have agreed to release Steve Williams from the final year of his contract
as their director of rugby so that he can become the new assistant coach of Magners
League side Ulster.Williams, who won 28 caps with Wales as a lock, joined Pertemps Bees from Northampton, where he worked as a specialist forwards coach, 12 months ago and helped to turn around the side's playing fortunes in his first season in charge at Sharmans Cross Road.
He will start work with Ulster in two weeks' time as a replacement for Allen Clarke who has been appointed Elite Player Development Manager to the Irish RFU.
Lee O'Neill, board director of Pertemps Bees, said: "We are sad to see Steve Williams leave but we are also pleased for him because it's a progression in his career.
"When he joined us last year, Steve made it clear that he was ambitious and, being the man he is, he has been honest, open and transparent with us about his dealings with Ulster.
"He had a year remaining on his contract with us but he leaves with our blessing. "He is a very talented coach who has improved the standard of rugby played at Pertemps Bees in the year he has been with us.
"He leaves the club a better place than when he joined and he has brought a new level of professionalism to the playing side.
"We already have good links with Ulster who loaned us Ireland A prop Tom Court last season.
"We were grateful for their support in helping ease our front row problems and we hope that, with Steve's appointment as their assistant coach, we can continue that relationship. I'm sure Steve will do an excellent job for Ulster.
"Steve has already played a part in helping us to identify a possible successor to him."
Williams said: "I leave with very mixed emotions. I have enjoyed my year with Pertemps Bees and would like to thank everyone for the support they have given me, particularly the players and supporters.
"I am also moving on at a time when real progress is being made off the field. I have been very closely involved in a lot of the meetings that have taken place which I believe will make the club more sustainable in the future.
"But this was an opportunity that was too good to miss and I would like to thank the board of Pertemps Bees for agreeing to release me from the final year of my contract.
"My season with Pertemps Bees has certainly helped me to develop as a coach and has provided me with valuable experience for the future.
"With Ben Harvey I have recruited the majority of the squad for next season, there are maybe a couple of other signings to come, and I hope that I leave the club in good shape."
Williams, 36, has signed a two-year contract with Ulster.
Ulster Rugby’s Chief Executive Michael Reid said this of the appointment: "We are delighted to welcome a coach of Steve’s undoubted reputation into the Ulster family. When Allen Clarke moved to his new role with the IRFU we scoured the world for a replacement, everyone we spoke to highlighted Steve as an outstanding coach and man manager. His playing and coaching CVs speak for themselves and it became obvious when he met up with Mark McCall in Belfast that he was the man for the job."
Pertemps Bees hope to be able to announce a new coaching appointment to replace Williams by the end of the week.