Ulster: Dan Soper's relief after win and ready to hand over 'happy changing room'

Dan Soper coached Ulster to victory over the Dragons in the URC

Dan Soper will hand over the reins to Richie Murphy unbeaten as Ulster coach after the 49-26 win over the Dragons.

Ulster's first URC win since New Year's Day ended a three-game losing streak and was a positive beginning to the post-Dan McFarland era.

Soper's only game in charge saw Ulster run in seven tries and there was a sense of relief after a tumultuous couple of weeks.

"That's a happy changing room down there at the moment," said Soper.

"We asked for energy, we asked for competitiveness and if we could get those things, we'd have a lot of enjoyment and it was a good night for us."

"I suppose personally there is a wee touch of relief but we did a lot of things really well tonight.

"There's a lot of things we didn't do so well, but there's a real resolve amongst the group.

"They want to kick on from that and let's hope that's the case."

Murphy visits Ulster

Soper confirmed that Murphy spent some time with the squad at the start of last week.

The Irish under-20s coach will take over at Ulster for the remainder of the season when the Six Nations finishes in two weeks time.

His first assignment will be the two-week trip to South Africa to play the Sharks and Stormers.

"Richie was up at the start of the week. He was mainly just observing and really just getting around and saying hello to everyone and that was really good.

"He's got connections with so many of the guys up here through the under-20s or through the national squad over the years, so it was good for him to be able to get up and just connect with those guys.

"He's obviously got a big couple of weeks ahead of him and then he'll join us for South Africa which is really exciting," Soper continued.

Richie Murphy spent time at Ulster last week meeting players and staff

"It's perfect isn't it, not only will he get two weeks on the grass with the guys but it's the time away from the pitch that he'll get with them as well.

"Just around the hotel, just getting those opportunities to have those chats with guys and get to know them and the players will get to know him really quickly because of being away together so yeah I think the timing is pretty good for him I think."

Ulster have talked about fresh starts on a number of occasions this season but according to Soper this really feels like a new beginning and a chance to move forward.

"Look, I suppose it is, isn't it. It's like the turmoil that happened last week and the head coach got changed and that's really unfortunate for Dan.

"It's sad that someone's had to lose their job, but there is a bit of a feeling of right, line in the sand, this is us now, let's move forward.

"So yeah, it's unfortunate that you have to go through the drastic actions that we've had to, but we have to make it work. That's our responsibility now, to make it worthwhile having gone through that bit of pain."

Soper will return to his assistant coaching duties but he has enjoyed his tenure in charge, albeit a short one.

"Look I've loved the week, it's been a really enjoyable week and that's because of the support I've had from the rest of the staff that have gotten behind me, which has been awesome, it's been really humbling how they've got behind me.

"The players have been really positive and shown lots of energy and again that's when they get in behind what you're saying and you can feel that confidence from them.

"That's really enjoyable and I've had loads of messages from people wishing me all the best and that's humbling as well.

"I was at Banbridge this afternoon watching their game and I had a few wise heads and some not so wise that were sharing their thoughts on what we should and shouldn't do but it's been a really positive experience and I've really enjoyed the week."