Education
McFarland attended Ampleforth College, North Yorkshire, where he started playing rugby, and studied classics at Newcastle University.
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Dan McFarland
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Began his professional rugby career as a loosehead prop with Richmond in 1996. Spent a season with Stade Français in 1999-2000, winning the French Championship. Joined Connacht in 2000, where he played six season, becoming only the second player to make 100 appearances for the Irish province. Retired as a player in 2006.
Began his coaching career at Connacht, coaching their under-21 side while still a player. Coached Monivea to the Connacht Junior League title in 2007. Was assistant coach, under Eric Elwood, of the Ireland under-20 team, winning the under-20 Six Nations Championship. Appointed forwards coach at Connacht in 2007. Was Connact's assistant coach, under Elwood from 2010 to 2013, and under Pat Lam from 2013 to 2015. During that time he was head coach of Emerging Ireland in 2014, and Ireland Wolfhounds in 2015.
He was assistant coach of Glasgow Warriors from 2015 to 2017, and assistant coach of the Scotland national team from 2017 to 2018. He was head coach of Ulster from 2018 to 2024. Since 2024 he has been forwards coach of Kobe Steelers.
