Hugh McCaughey, the former Chief Executive of SEHSCT (South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust) who has been involved in rugby in Ulster over the past four decades, is set to remain as CEO of Ulster Rugby.
McCaughey took on the role as Interim CEO of the organisation on April 3 2024 following the departure of Jonny Petrie, who was appointed as CEO in January 2019 and had served for five years in the role.
Hugh has extensive experience in the public sector in Northern Ireland, but also has contributed hugely to rugby, both provincially and nationally.
He coached a number of high-profile Ulster and Ireland players at Age Group level, including Rory Best, Stephen Ferris, Chris Henry, Tommy Bowe and Andrew Trimble, as well as having served as Manager of Ulster Rugby and the Irish 7s team at the 2009 Rugby World Cup.
On the news, Chair of Ulster Rugby’s Management Committee, Paul Terrington, said:
“We were confident that Hugh was the right person for us to bring in to lead the province at a challenging time last season, given his extensive organisational leadership experience and understanding of the game, and this extension of his contract is testimony to the progress made to-date.”
The province have had notable difficulties financially in recent years, posting losses of more than £900,000 in 2022-23 and have suffered high profile departures including Jonny Petrie and former head coach Dan McFarland.
Terrington shared his confidence in McCaughey’s appointment and emphasised their goal to stabilise.
“With a focus on stabilising the club’s financial situation, in partnership with the IRFU, and establishing a strategic way forward, we are confident that Hugh will continue to lay the foundations in the months ahead that will stand-by the province for years to come,” said Terrington.
“We look forward to what can be achieved, from the domestic game through to the professional, in the new season.”
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Hugh McCaughey added:
“I have relished the challenges and opportunities that have come from leading Ulster Rugby since I took up the role of CEO in April, and I look forward to continuing to move the province forward over the course of the next season.
“Now is the time for the province to build, with an exciting young generation of players coming through into the professional squad, the continued strong growth of the Women and Girls’ game, and increasing participation in the domestic game across Ulster.
McCaughey is aware of the challenges the Ulster Rugby Union team still face now he will remain in this post until the end of 2025.
The CEO said “Whilst there will continue to be financial and other challenges in the short-term, I am confident that we now have a clear, strong and positive way forward.”
“This has the support of the IRFU, enabling us to build on the work we started towards the end of last season. I, like supporters, players, coaches and everyone involved with Ulster Rugby, am looking forward to the season ahead with anticipation, excitement and confidence.”