Ulster Rugby has confirmed the appointment of former Ireland boss Joe Schmidt as a coach development officer with the province.
Schmidt led Ireland to three Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam, between 2013 and 2019 following on from a successful spell with Leinster, where he guided the team to two Heineken Cup successes.
He stepped away from coaching for a period before returning to an assistant role with his native New Zealand, helping them to reach the 2023 World Cup final.
The 60-year-old spent the last two years as head coach of the Wallabies before making way for former Ulster boss Les Kiss earlier this month.
“Ulster Rugby is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Schmidt in a consultancy capacity as Coach Development Advisor, a newly created role focused on strengthening and developing the coaching pathway across the province,” said the province, who reached the Challenge Cup final last season.
“Schmidt will support the ongoing development of coaches across the province, helping to strengthen a clear and connected coaching pathway spanning the academy, age-grade programmes, schools and clubs, as well as professional game.
Joe Schmidt (l) with Richie Murphy at an Ireland training session in 2019
“Through several visits to the province over the next 12 months as well as remote interactions, Schmidt will work closely with coaching staff at all levels, providing mentorship, guidance and strategic support to strengthen coaching capability throughout the Ulster Rugby pathway and help drive long-term growth across the game.”
Schmidt said: “Ulster has a proud rugby tradition and further developing the coaching pathway in the region is something that we believe can add value.”
Head coach Richie Murphy, who had previously worked with Schmidt at Leinster and Ireland, added: “[I] know first-hand the value he brings to an organisation.
“His experience will be hugely beneficial in the development of coaches throughout the entire pathway.
“The impact of that support will be felt right across the province for years to come.”