Brian McLaughlin is set to depart from Ulster, according to reports © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Tommy Bowe | John Kirwan

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Teams: Ireland | Munster | Ospreys | Ulster

Brian McLaughlin's days at Ulster are said to be numbered, according to reports in the Irish press on Tuesday.

With McLaughlin's contract up at the end of the season at Ravenhill, the Ulster management are said to be looking elsewhere for a head coach rather than rewarding him with a new contract. This is despite the coach leading Ulster to the knockout stages of the Heineken Cup twice in the last three seasons.

Director of rugby David Humphreys and chief executive Shane Logan are said to be weighing up the credentials of former Japan coach John Kirwan and ex-Ulster hooker Matt Sexton as potential candidates to replace McLaughlin.

Ulster later released a statement refusing to deny the speculation. The statement read: "In response to media speculation today regarding the Ulster Rugby Head Coaching position, Ulster Rugby confirms that the current coaching contracts are set to finish at the end of the season, and are under review. There will be no further comment at this time."

And, elsewhere, Ireland winger Tommy Bowe is reportedly considering returning to Ireland for next season. The Ospreys flyer is on a lucrative contract - which runs until the end of the 2012-13 season - at the Liberty Stadium, but with the salary cap coming into play for the Welsh regions, the Ospreys are said to be keen on trimming their wage budget.

Ulster are reportedly keen on recruiting their former winger while Munster are also said to be in the race as they attempt to find a replacement for their Kiwi flyer Doug Howlett.