Codling was previously Head Coach at Rosslyn Park, where he led the side to consecutive second place finishes in English National Division One.
He also spent successful spells as Head Coach at Rotherham Titans, Barking and Ebbw Vale as well as a spell as Forwards and Defence coach for London Scottish.
Codling won one cap for England, against Argentina in 2002 and his club career saw him take in spells at Harlequins, Saracens, Northampton and Montpellier, before a serious back injury cut short his playing career in 2005.
Head of the Hughes Insurance Ulster Rugby Academy, Kieran Campbell, believes that Codling is a fantastic addition to his coaching team:
“Alex has huge experience of the game and has been successful as both a coach and a player. He will bring a fresh perspective to the Academy and I know that our players, particularly our forwards, will benefit hugely from his insight and knowledge of the game.
“To secure a coach of this quality says a great deal about the ambitions of the Hughes Insurance Ulster Academy and I am absolutely delighted that Alex has joined our staff.”
Codling says that he is excited by the challenge of coaching at Ulster Rugby:
“There is a huge buzz around Ulster Rugby at the moment with the success of the first team and with the developments in the Academy. There are some outstanding youngsters coming through and the whole set-up is very exciting.
“Having worked with Academy players from several Aviva Premiership clubs, I am very much looking forward to the challenge of working with this highly talented group at Ulster.”