Ulster rugby have been rocked by the departure of head coach Mark Anscombe.

Following the recent departure of the province's Director of Rugby, David Humphreys, Ulster has announced today that Anscombe has left Ravenhill with immediate effect.

Ireland assistant coach Les Kiss is set to take up the position of interim Director of Rugby with Ulster in order to allow them time to find a suitable replacement.

Anscombe's departure after two years in charge will come as a shock to Ulster, who had already finalised most of their squad for next season.