Schmidt to work with Ulster coaches

Former Ireland and Australia head coach Joe Schmidt will work with Ulster in a consultancy role focused on the province’s coaching pathway.

The position of coach development advisor is newly created for the Kiwi and does not involve working with the senior team.

As Ulster statement said Schmidt “will support the ongoing development of coaches across the province, helping to strengthen a clear and connected coaching pathway” throughout the organisation.

The 60-year-old finished with up with the Wallabies this month after a win over Italy in the Nations Championship ended a run of six straight defeats.

“Ulster has a proud rugby tradition and further developing the coaching pathway in the region is something that we believe can add value,” said Schmidt.

Schmidt is one of Ireland’s most successful ever rugby coaches having led the national side between 2013 and 2019, winning back-to-back Six Nations titles in his first two campaigns before a Grand Slam in 2018.

He was also at the helm for Ireland’s first ever win over the All Blacks and maiden triumph over the Springboks on South African soil, both in 2016.

Prior to that, Schmidt had worked as an assistant with Clermont and served as Leinster’s head coach for three years, winning a pair of Heineken Cups with the latter.

Schmidt has recently been linked with a return to the RDS with head coach Leo Cullen set to leave the side after more than a decade in charge at the end of the 2026-27 season.

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Schmidt to ‘support coaches at every stage of their journey’

Ulster Rugby’s general manager Rory Best, who served as Ireland captain under Schmidt, believes the appointment can be a key part of a “long-term strategy” regarding coaching development.

“Last season we introduced a dedicated focus on player development within our performance pathway. It is equally important that we prioritise the long-term development of our coaches,” he said.

“Strengthening our coaching pathway is a key part of our long-term strategy. Joe’s involvement will help us support coaches at every stage of their journey, from emerging coaches in schools and clubs through to those operating across our pathway programmes.

“His experience will help create a more connected and consistent coaching environment across the province.”