Williams blasts Ulster defence

Matt Williams is looking for improvement next season

Ulster coach Matt Williams says his side's poor defence cost them victory in Friday night's Magners League game against Cardiff Blues at Ravenhill.

"We missed some horrific tackles that cost us the game," said Williams.

"We were creative, exciting and did a lot with the ball but our error rate was awful. We should have won the game.

"I have never coached a team that is so fatigued. The players were very tired all week and have had a hard season both internationally and with Ulster."

"The whole night kind of exemplified our year, with Kieron Dwson getting injured during the warm-up and then David Humphreys lasting less than 10 minutes.

"In the lead up to the game, we had to cut one training session short and cancel another altogether because the players were so tired.

"I think we are all happy that the season is over, so we can now draw a line in the sand and come back next September and start again."

Williams added that he could not confirm the names of new signings for next season but said that "media reports were pretty accurate".

"Players have signed contracts but we have been asked by other parties not to reveal the names so we have to respect their confidentiality."

Williams warned Ulster supporters not to expect miracles next season but wants to see an improvement in performances and results.

"We just lost two games in a row in which we were the better team but have the worst defensive record in the league, so we have to fix that.

"Week in, week out, we are missing more tackles than any other team in the league and when that is the case you are going to lose games that you should win."

The Ulster coach also thinks the new laws to be introduced next season will benefit his squad.

I think we are all happy that the season is over Ulster coach Matt Williams

"The new laws that will come into place will really suit us as we are not a big team, but we are a very fit team, aerobically strong and that's what the new laws will produce.

"The big guys will lose a lot of weight because there will be a lot of running involved so I think we will be in pretty good shape in that regard.

"The new guys I am bringing in will give us plenty of professionalism and there will be some changes in the staff too. It will be good to have some new blood on board," concluded Williams.