Mark McCall had to retire prematurely following a neck injury

Ulster assistant coach Mark McCall has been confirmed as the new Ireland under-21 coach.

As expected the 35-year-old former international centre will take over from Michael Bradley who has moved into the Connacht hot seat after only one season.

Leinster's Mark McDermott will continue as assistant, with Ulster-based David Haslett remaining as team manager.

McCall, capped 13 times for Ireland, had to retire prematurely from the game in 1998, and immediately went into coaching.

The Bangor-born McCall was captain of the Ulster side during the start of their successful European Cup run in 1999.

However, a neck injury saw him having to hang up his boots and hand on the captaincy to David Humphreys who led them to success against Colomiers at Lansdowne Road.

McCall was in charge of Ballynahinch for a season before Alan Solomons brought him into the Ulster set-up as backs coach.

McCall is expected to be initially involved with the Ireland under-21 side for a season.

He is expected to have a reduced role next season with Ulster who may well recruit another local coach to fill the void.

Meanwhile, former Shannon, Munster and Ireland A full-back Pat Murray has been re-appointed coach to the Ireland under 19 team. Ulster's former Ireland hooker Allan Clarke will be his assistant.