Schmidt to work with Ulster coaches

Joe Schmidt finished his tenure with Australia after their 57-10 win over Italy this month [Getty Images]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.

Lowe signs for Suntory Sungoliath after Leinster exitSchmidt to 'support coaches at every stage of their journey'Joe Schmidt appointed Rory Best Ireland captain in 2016 [Getty Images]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."