Joe Schmidt returns to Irish rugby as Ulster consultant
Former Ireland head coach and ex‑Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt will join Ulster Rugby on a short‑term consultancy basis. The 60‑year‑old is expected to spend roughly a month in Belfast during the province’s pre‑season preparations, working directly with head coach Richie Murphy and the coaching team.
Schmidt remains under contract with Rugby Australia and will continue to advise Stephen Larkham and Australia A during their October tour of the United States. His appointment comes as Ulster seek to rebound after missing the United Rugby Championship play‑offs and suffering a heavy defeat to Montpellier in the EPCR Challenge Cup final. Schmidt’s résumé includes successful spells at Leinster, the Irish national team and the Wallabies.
Entities: Joe Schmidt · Richie Murphy · Rugby Australia · Stephen Larkham · Ulster Rugby
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Joe Schmidt is 60 years old. (All three articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Ulster missed the United Rugby Championship play‑offs and lost the EPCR Challenge Cup final to Montpellier. (All three articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Schmidt will work alongside Ulster head coach Richie Murphy. (All three articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Schmidt previously coached Leinster, the Irish national team and the Wallabies. (All three articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Joe Schmidt will take a short‑term consultancy role with Ulster Rugby. (All three articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The consultancy will last about a month during Ulster’s pre‑season preparations. (All three articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Schmidt remains under contract with Rugby Australia. (All three articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Schmidt will also assist Stephen Larkham and Australia A on their October tour of the United States. (All three articles)