Ulster general manager Rory Best says Joe Schmidt’s new advisory role should help create long-term success by strengthening the province’s coaching and player-development pathway. Schmidt’s arrival has boosted the club, according to Best, while head coach Richie Murphy said Ulster would be wise to draw on his experience for feedback and talent development.

Schmidt, 60, joined as coach development adviser after leaving Australia and brings previous success with Ireland and Leinster, including three Six Nations titles and two European Cups. Ulster are preparing for the 2026-27 season after finishing ninth in last season’s URC and losing the Challenge Cup final; they have added several players while losing Werner Kok and Angus Bell, and begin their league campaign against Edinburgh on 25 September.