Overview
- Ulster formally announced on Wednesday that Joe Schmidt will serve a 12-month consultancy as Coach Development Advisor with several in-person visits plus remote mentoring.
- The newly created role is expressly focused on strengthening a connected coaching pathway and does not include a position with Ulster’s senior team.
- Schmidt will work with coaches across the province from grassroots school teams through academy and age-grade programmes to the professional pathway and will provide mentorship and strategic guidance.
- The appointment follows Schmidt’s decision to step down as Australia head coach after a two-year spell and draws on his record with Leinster, Ireland and recent roles with the All Blacks and Wallabies.
- Some media reports link Schmidt to possible short-term advisory work with Australia A in October but Ulster’s statement limits his remit to development work in the province and the move is aimed at long-term capacity building ahead of the new URC season.