Joe Schmidt Starts Ulster Adviser Role With Pathway Focus

Joe Schmidt has begun work with Ulster as the province's coach development adviser, a newly created position centered on its coaching and player pathway. BBC Sport reported that Schmidt attended an open training session for Ulster's senior men's squad in Banbridge on Friday as preparations continued for the 2026-27 season.

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Ulster appointed the 60-year-old last month after he completed a two-year spell as Australia head coach. Schmidt previously led Ireland for six years, winning three Six Nations championships, including the 2018 Grand Slam. He also coached Leinster to two European Cup titles and later worked with the All Blacks.

Ulster general manager Rory Best said the appointment is intended to support sustained success by improving the flow of players into the senior side. Best, whom Schmidt named Ireland captain in 2016, highlighted the former coach's experience across Irish, New Zealand and Australian development systems. He said Schmidt's arrival had already lifted the environment around the province.

Senior head coach Richie Murphy, who worked with Schmidt at Leinster and Ireland, said Ulster would use the adviser's observations and feedback as well as his pathway expertise. Schmidt's attendance at the session gave him an opportunity to assess senior training while his primary remit remains the system supplying players to Murphy's squad.

The appointment comes after Ulster finished ninth in the 2025-26 United Rugby Championship and missed qualification for the Investec Champions Cup. Their season also ended with defeat by Montpellier in the Challenge Cup final. Murphy is now reintegrating the province's Ireland internationals following their Nations Championship commitments in July.

Ulster have made several summer additions, including forwards Eli Snyman, Ben Donnell and Keynan Knox, along with backs Chay Mullins, Matthew Devine and Jamie Benson. Murphy said the arrivals have increased depth and competition, particularly at lock, tight-head prop and half-back. Ulster will play pre-season friendlies against Edinburgh and Ospreys before opening their URC campaign at home to Edinburgh on September 25.