Pro14 Rainbow Cup: Scarlets-bound Peel has been 'great influence' on Ulster - fellow coach Soper
- Published
Dan Soper (left) will replace Dwayne Peel as Ulster assistant coach next season
Ulster skills coach Dan Soper says Scarlets-bound Dwayne Peel has made a major impact during his four years as assistant coach of the Irish province.
The former Wales scrum-half will be head coach of the Scarlets next season.
Peel's final Ulster home game was set to be against Scarlets on Saturday only for it to be called off because of Covid cases in the Irish province.
"Dwayne has had a great influence on the squad. I've learnt a huge amount from him," said Soper.
"We've worked closely together on the attack side of things and he has brought a lot of fresh philosophies and ideas," he added.
Peel 'laid the foundations for Ulster's attack'
Soper will step up to replace Peel as assistant to head coach Dan McFarland next term.
"I'll carry those ideas with me. They have laid the foundations for our attack which is in a good place and he leaves behind a lot of good things he has put in place," outlined Soper.
"Dwayne has seen a big turnover in the backs during his time and now Ulster have got a crop of exciting, talented young backs that he has played a big part in bringing along.
"We'll see good progress at the Scarlets when he takes over I would imagine and I know he's looking forward to that challenge."
Peel, a former British and Irish Lion and 76-times capped Wales international, began his coaching career at Bristol, before joining the Ulster backroom team in 2017.
He has been assistant to three Ulster head coaches - Les Kiss, Jono Gibbes and McFarland - and was initially set to join Cardiff Blues as senior assistant coach responsible for attack next season, before being snapped up by his former club Scarlets.
Dave Shanahan in action during Ulster's 21-17 defeat by Leinster on 14 May
Ulster scrum-half Dave Shanahan says there is "no-one better to learn off than Peel".
"I've picked up loads from him. He really encourages me and all the 'nines' to back ourselves and take it to the defence," explained Shanahan.
"He sets high standards, which is the way it should be, so that helps bring all of us along."
Following the cancellation of Saturday's match, Ulster will complete their season with an away game against Edinburgh on Saturday 5 June.