Joe Schmidt has returned to Irish rugby by taking up a consultancy role with Ulster Rugby, working alongside the province’s coaching staff ahead of pre-season.
The appointment marks Schmidt’s first confirmed coaching involvement since he departed as Australia head coach following the Wallabies’ 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign.
Multiple outlets — including the BBC, RTÉ, Planet Rugby, RugbyPass, and The Irish News — confirmed the news, with reports describing the position as a consultancy and coaching development role rather than a full-time head coaching appointment.
Schmidt is one of the most decorated coaches in Irish rugby history, having guided Leinster to three Heineken Cup titles before taking charge of the Ireland national side from 2013 to 2019, during which time he led the team to three Six Nations championships and a first-ever victory over New Zealand in Chicago in 2016.
After stepping down from the Ireland role following the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Schmidt took charge of Australia in 2023 but departed after the Wallabies were eliminated at the World Cup in France.
His return to Irish rugby in a consultancy capacity at Ulster represents a notable development, with the province set to benefit from his considerable experience as they prepare for the new season.
Source: BBC.
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