Richie Murphy says he would like to extend his stay as Ulster head coach into next season.
Former Ireland Under-20s boss Murphy replaced Dan McFarland in March 2024 and his contract runs out at the end of the season.
After a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, Ulster have been rejuvenated under Murphy this season, winning six out of eight matches in the United Rugby Championship table and qualifying for the knockout stages of the Challenge Cup with a game to spare.
With that progress, the 51-year-old joked he would have liked a new contract to be sorted “yesterday”, and discussions are taking place with the Irish province.
“We’re hoping that will be the case,” Murphy told BBC Sport NI about a new deal to stay in Belfast.
“These things are part of the process and Ulster are working through that at the moment.”
Murphy said he was pleased with his coaching team, of Mark Sexton, Jimmy Duffy, Willie Faloon and Dan Soper and the set-up has “formed up really well”.
“We’re working really well together and the results are starting to show, so let’s hope that builds forward for a couple of years,” he added.
“There’s the stability for the players and knowing who they are dealing with, and being clear around how we’re really trying to play.”
Ulster will face Stade Francais in the Challenge Cup on Saturday at the Affidea Stadium as they look to claim top spot in Pool Three.
Murphy’s side were awarded a 28-0 victory on Sunday after their game against South African side Cheetahs, which was to be played in the Netherlands, was cancelled due to sub-zero temperatures and snow.
The decision to initially postpone the match, which had already been moved south from Amsterdam to the more southern city of Den Bosch, was taken less than an hour before kick-off.
Governing body European Professional Club Rugby [EPCR] then awarded Ulster the victory after it was deemed the match could not be rescheduled.
“We were massively disappointed and we were over there for a reason,” Murphy said.
“These things happen and player safety has to be at the top of everything, and the pitch was unsafe to play”.
Murphy says plans for the game with Stade Francais are unaffected by the cancellation of the Cheetahs game.
“It’s probably our biggest game so far this season and Stade will be a formidable opponent,” he added.
“They are a handful and they have a very big physical pack. They are very direct around the edges of ruck and maul, so it’s a big task but it’s one we’re looking forward to.”
