Rory Best: Joe Schmidt's Role at Ulster is About Long-Term Development

Rory Best, the general manager of Ulster Rugby, has described Joe Schmidt's new position with the province as a process of "small steps" aimed at establishing a foundation for sustained success. Ulster is leveraging the extensive expertise of the former Ireland and Australia coach to enhance its coaching pathway and player development.

Schmidt, who recently concluded a two-year tenure as head coach of Australia, was appointed as Ulster's coach development adviser last month. This newly created role is specifically designed to nurture the province's coaching structure.

The 60-year-old Schmidt is widely recognized as one of Ireland's most accomplished coaches. During his six years leading the national team, he secured three Six Nations titles, including the Grand Slam in 2018. He also guided Leinster to two European Cup victories.

"My aim isn't just for immediate success this season or in the next couple of years; it needs to be a continuous process," explained Rory Best. "To achieve that, we require consistency in what's coming through, and that's precisely why Joe is here." Best, who was appointed Ireland captain by Schmidt in 2016, highlighted Schmidt's unparalleled coaching ability.

"Joe was the finest head coach I ever worked with. Since then, he has gone on to coach the All Blacks and Australia. He has comprehensive knowledge of the New Zealand and Australian underage systems, and from his time at Leinster, the Irish underage system as well."

"By consolidating all these best practices, our ultimate goal is to create a continuous pipeline of talent. The positive impact he has on everyone involved is tremendous. We are thrilled to have him."

"Of course, the next logical step is to see him fully immersed in Ulster's colours, but these are small steps for now."

Schmidt was observed at an open training session for Ulster's senior men's team in Banbridge on Friday, as the team intensifies its preparations for the 2026-27 season.

Dan Murphy, who previously worked with Schmidt at Leinster and Ireland, praised Best's initiative to bring Schmidt on board, calling it a "genius idea."

"Joe and I have a long history. Besty's idea to bring him over, I thought it was brilliant," Murphy commented.

"He is assisting with the development pathway and examining that area to ensure we have a consistent supply of players to feed into the Ulster senior team."

"He is here today to observe training, and it would be foolish of us not to utilize the insights of someone like him to provide feedback on our operational methods."

Rory Best, Ulster's general manager, describes Joe Schmidt's new role with the province as a process of "small steps" aimed at creating a foundation for long-term success. Ulster is looking to harness the extensive expertise of the former Ireland coach to build a sustainable future.

Schmidt was appointed as Ulster's coach development adviser last month, a newly created position focused on the province's coaching pathway, following his two-year stint as Australia's boss.

The 60-year-old is one of Ireland's most decorated coaches, having led the national team to three Six Nations titles, including the 2018 Grand Slam, during his six-year tenure. He also guided Leinster to two European Cups.

"I don't just want to be successful this season or in a year or two; it has to be a continuous process, and to achieve that, we need continuity in what's coming up behind us, which is why Joe is here," said Ulster general manager Rory Best, who was named Ireland captain by Schmidt in 2016.

"Joe was the best coach I worked under as a head coach. Since then, he has gone on to coach the All Blacks and Australia. He has extensive knowledge of the New Zealand and Australian underage systems, and from his time at Leinster, the Irish underage system as well."

"By bringing all the best practices together, what you ultimately want to do is create a conveyor belt of talent. The boost it provides to everyone around the place is brilliant. We are delighted to have him.

"Obviously, the next step is to get him fully kitted out in Ulster gear, but these are small steps."

Schmidt was in attendance at an open training session for Ulster's senior men's team in Banbridge on Friday as the side ramps up preparations for the 2026-27 season.

Dan Murphy, who worked alongside the New Zealander at Leinster and Ireland, called Best's idea to involve Schmidt a "genius idea."

"Joe and I go back a long way. Besty, I thought it was a genius idea to bring him over," he said.

"He's helping through the pathway and looking at that area to ensure we have a supply of players to feed into this Ulster senior team.

"He's here today to observe training, and we'd be crazy not to utilize a person like that to give us some feedback on how we go about our business."