'Small steps' for Schmidt at Ulster - Best

Ulster Rugby has taken a strategic step forward with the appointment of former Ireland and Australia head coach Joe Schmidt as coach development adviser, a move aimed at strengthening the province’s long-term coaching infrastructure. Schmidt, one of rugby’s most respected tacticians, brings extensive experience from elite-level coaching in Ireland, England, New Zealand, and Australia. His new role, announced last month, focuses on enhancing Ulster’s player development pathways ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Ulster general manager Rory Best described Schmidt’s arrival as a significant “lift” for the province. “Joe was the best coach I worked under as a head coach,” said Best, who captained Ireland under Schmidt in 2016. “He’s coached the All Blacks and Australia, worked across underage systems in New Zealand, Australia, and Ireland. To bring all that best practice together is exactly what we need.”

Schmidt, 60, led Ireland to three Six Nations titles, including a historic Grand Slam in 2018, and won two European Cups with Leinster during his tenure as head coach. His appointment comes at a pivotal time for Ulster, who are rebuilding after narrowly missing Investec Champions Cup qualification last season. The province finished ninth in the United Rugby Championship and lost the Challenge Cup final to Montpellier.

Ulster head coach Dan Murphy, who previously worked with Schmidt at Leinster and Ireland, welcomed the initiative. “Besty, I thought it was a genius idea bringing him over,” Murphy said. “He’s helping through the pathway and making sure we have a supply of players to feed this Ulster senior team.”

Schmidt was present at an open training session in Banbridge on Friday, observing Ulster’s senior squad as they prepare for the new season. Murphy is currently reintegrating a group of Ireland internationals following their participation in the summer’s Nations Championship.

Ulster begin their 2024–25 campaign with pre-season friendlies against Edinburgh and Ospreys before opening their United Rugby Championship campaign against Edinburgh in Belfast on 25 September.

The province has undergone significant squad changes over the summer. New signings include forwards Eli Snyman, Ben Donnell, and Keynan Knox, and backs Chay Mullins, Matthew Devine, and Jamie Benson. Departures include key players like Werner Kok and Angus Bell.

Murphy expressed optimism about the squad’s depth, particularly in forward positions. “Ben Donnell can play in the back row and second row, Eli in the second row gives us more experience, and having two tight-heads like Keynan Knox and Eduardo Bello creates real competition,” he said. “Our new half-backs, Matty Devine and Jamie Benson, have fitted in well and raised the standard of competition.”

Schmidt’s gradual integration into the Ulster setup reflects a cautious but deliberate approach. While Best acknowledged the desire to see Schmidt more visibly involved in the team, he stressed the importance of sustainable progress.

“Obviously the next step is to get him head to toe in Ulster gear,” Best said. “But it’s small steps.”

#UlsterRugby #JoeSchmidt #RoryBest #DanMurphy #RugbyCoaching #UnitedRugbyChampionship #SixNations