Widely regarded as one of the most respected coaches in world rugby, Joe Schmidt brings a wealth of experience from the highest levels of the game.
The New Zealander guided Leinster to two Heineken Cups before leading Ireland to three Guinness Men's Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2018. He was named World Rugby Coach of the Year the same year.
More recently, he assisted in coaching New Zealand to the 2023 Rugby World Cup final before filling in as Australia head coach for the past two years, where he played a key role in rebuilding the team.
Schmidt will support the ongoing development of coaches across Ulster, helping to strengthen a clear and connected coaching pathway spanning the Academy, age-grade programmes, schools and clubs, as well as the professional game.
Through several visits to the province over the next 12 months as well as remote interactions, he 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.
The appointment forms part of Ulster's wider commitment to investing in the future of rugby across the province, helping to ensure that coaches are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and support required to help players reach their full potential.
Commenting on the appointment of Schmidt to the new position, Ulster Rugby CEO Hugh McCaughey said: "As we continue to invest in the future of rugby across Ulster, it is important that we invest not only in our players, but also in the people responsible for developing them.
"Through our work in schools, clubs, and age-grade rugby, we are creating opportunities for the next generation of players, and Joe's appointment will help ensure we are strengthening our coaching pathway alongside that investment.
"His experience and expertise is recognised throughout the world game. His support will help us develop coaches at every level of the pathway and ultimately strengthen rugby across the province."
Ulster Rugby General Manager Rory Best stated: "Last season we introduced a dedicated focus on player development within our performance pathway. It is equally important that we prioritise the long-term development of our coaches.
"Strengthening our coaching pathway is a key part of our long-term strategy. Joe's involvement will help us support coaches at every stage of their journey, from emerging coaches in schools and clubs through to those operating across our pathway programmes.
"His experience will help create a more connected and consistent coaching environment across the province."
Ulster Men's head coach Richie Murphy welcomed the appointment, saying: "I've worked with Joe on a number of occasions throughout my coaching career, and know first-hand the value he brings to an organisation.
"We're delighted to have someone of his calibre involved with Ulster Rugby. 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."
Speaking about working again within Irish Rugby, 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.
"We've had initial discussions about where to get started, and I've already had the opportunity to work with some of the school coaches, alongside Dan Soper."
Schmidt's appointment reflects Ulster Rugby's commitment to building a sustainable and aligned coaching pathway, creating long-term benefits for players, coaches, and the wider rugby community throughout the province.
