Former Australia coach Schmidt returns to Ireland in consultancy role

Joe Schmidt, the former head coach of Australia and Ireland, is returning to Irish rugby in a new consultancy capacity with Ulster Rugby. The Irish province announced Wednesday that the 60-year-old will take up a 12-month role focused on developing the coaching pathway across the region.

Schmidt's appointment marks a homecoming for the respected coach, who spent the last two years leading the Wallabies. He stepped down from the Australian role earlier this month following the conclusion of the initial phase of the new Nations Championship. During his tenure with the Irish national team from 2013 to 2019, Schmidt achieved significant success, guiding Ireland to three Six Nations championships, including a coveted Grand Slam title.

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Ulster Rugby is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Schmidt in a consultancy capacity as Coach Development Advisor, a newly created role focused on strengthening and developing the coaching pathway across the province.

In his new position as Coach Development Advisor, Schmidt will work to strengthen and enhance coaching structures at all levels within Ulster Rugby. This includes supporting coaches in the academy, age-grade programs, schools, and clubs, as well as the professional game. Ulster Rugby aims to build a connected and robust coaching pipeline. The province is looking to leverage Schmidt's extensive experience to elevate its rugby standards, following a season where they reached the European Challenge Cup final but missed out on the United Rugby Championship playoffs.

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