Joe Schmidt to take consultancy role with Ulster Rugby

Former Ireland and Leinster head coach Joe Schmidt is set to join Ulster Rugby in a consultancy capacity, primarily guiding the province's age-grade coaches. The Irish Rugby Football Union has sanctioned this move, intended to bolster coaching development within Ulster.

This approach mirrors past initiatives, such as Leinster's engagement of Graham Henry in 2016 and Munster's recent appointment of Chris Boyd as a performance consultant. Schmidt is expected to make multiple visits to Ulster as part of his new role, which will not involve the senior team.

Richie Murphy, Ulster's senior head coach and a former colleague of Schmidt's at Leinster and Ireland, consulted on the appointment and anticipates significant contributions to the coach education pathway. Murphy himself has a strong coaching background, having led Ireland's under-20s to successive Six Nations Grand Slams and a Junior World Championship final before taking the permanent head coach role at Ulster.

Schmidt's consultancy comes after his departure from the Wallabies following the Nations Championship southern series. He has been succeeded in that role by Les Kiss, Ulster's former director of rugby. Ulster will also welcome Clarke Dermody as their new forwards coach.

“

The Kiwi will add significant value to their coach education pathway.