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.”