Ulster slay Dragons to kick-start post-McFarland era

Ulster began the post-Dan McFarland era in style as they recorded a convincing 49-26 victory over the Dragons in the United Rugby Championship.

Michael Lowry and David McCann scored two tries each in a thumping win while John Cooney kicked 14 points by converting all seven touchdowns.

Will Addison, Harry Sheridan and Nick Timoney also crossed for Ulster, who saw long-serving coach McFarland leave his post last month after three consecutive defeats.

The Dragons managed a bonus point of their own after being awarded a late penalty try.

Dan Soper, assistant to McFarland before the Englishman's departure last month, oversaw Ulster's victory, with Richie Murphy set to begin his role as interim head coach in time for the province's next outing against the Sharks on 23 March.

The hosts took the lead after just four minutes, Addison opening the scoring after a grubber from Billy Burns, with Cooney converting well.

The Dragons managed to draw level when James Benjamin was driven over after 11 minutes from a driving maul with Will Reed converting.

But Ulster were back in front six minutes later with their second try, Lowry running in unopposed after Addison and McCann had linked up out on the flank off turnover ball.

Cooney slotted his third conversion on the half hour after Harry Sheridan had battered over from close range to put the Irish province 21-7 ahead.

The bonus-point try came when Lowry scored his second of the match after 32 minutes, yet again Cooney converting and the first half came to a close with Ulster ahead 28-7 and looking in complete charge.

The visitors responded with the first score of the second half, when lock Matthew Screech drove through from close range in the 51st minute, although Reed’s conversion hit the post