Former Ireland and Australia head coach Joe Schmidt is to take up a newly created consultancy role with Ulster Rugby, focused on developing coaches across the province rather than working with the senior team. The appointment, titled coach development adviser, comes weeks after the 60-year-old New Zealander stepped down as Wallabies head coach following their 57-10 win over Italy in the Nations Championship. Ulster say the role forms part of a long-term strategy to strengthen coaching pathways throughout the organisation.

Schmidt led Ireland between 2013 and 2019, winning back-to-back Six Nations titles, a Grand Slam in 2018, and historic wins over New Zealand and South Africa, having previously coached Leinster to two Heineken Cups. Ulster general manager Rory Best, who captained Ireland under Schmidt, said the move builds on a player-development focus introduced last season and will support coaches from schools and clubs level up through the province's pathway programmes. Schmidt has also been linked with a possible future return to Leinster, whose head coach Leo Cullen is set to leave at the end of the 2026-27 season.