Joe Schmidt returns to Irish rugby with Ulster role

Schmidt moves into a newly created role

The newly created, consultancy role will focus on “strengthening and developing the coaching pathway across the province”, Ulster Rugby said in a statement announcing the appointment on Wednesday.

What Joe Schmidt brings to Ulster

Widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the world, the New Zealander guided Leinster to two Heineken Cups before leading Ireland to three Six Nations titles, including the 2018 Grand Slam — a season that also earned him World Rugby Coach of the Year.

As The42 reported, he has since helped the All Blacks reach the 2023 World Cup final and spent the past two years as Australia head coach. There is more in our Irish rugby coverage.

“A newly created role focused on strengthening and developing the coaching pathway across the province.”

The brief will see Schmidt work behind the scenes rather than on the training pitch, sharing the methods that made him one of the most decorated coaches of the professional era with Ulster’s next generation of staff.

His return also reunites him with the Irish system he transformed during a decade at Leinster and with the national side.

The appointment is a coup for the northern province as it looks to bring through the next generation of Irish coaching talent.