Allen Clarke was a European Cup winner with Ulster in 1999

Clarke, a former Ireland hooker, has been Mark McCall's forwards coach since the pair took over from Alan Solomons in July, 2004.

It was an open secret that Clarke was going to take on an internal Dublin appointment with the IRFU.

His new role will have a more organisational role than coaching.

Dungannon-born Clarke won eight internationals caps in the 1990s while he was with Northampton Saints and was part of Ulster's European Cup-winning team in 1999.

After a bad leg break against Edinburgh ended his playing career he was appointed as the Ulster Branch's first Director of Elite Player Development at the University of Jordanstown campus which is now being handled by Gary Longwell.

Neil McMillan has dispelled rumours that he is leaving Ulster

Clarke's departure comes at the end of a difficult season which has seen Ulster fail to match the potential promised after winning the Celtic League in 2006.

There were reported divisions in the camp as Ulster slipped to just four wins from their last nine outings.

Suggestions that the former Belfast Harlequins and Earth Titans coach Andre Bester could be in the frame to replace Clarke appear wide of the mark.

Meanwhile, Ulster's openside flanker Neil McMillan is staying to see out his contract which is due to be renewed at the end of next season.