Expect Joe Schmidt at a function near you after Ulster deal, but the big winners could be Ireland at next World Cup

IRFU and David Humphreys might have been onto something, giving themselves a direct line of communication to Schmidt with just over a year to go the World Cup

There was a lot to digest in the revelation that Ulster had snagged Joe Schmidt as Coach Development Advisor.

But there was a niggling feeling the headline was the main course and that the actual meal, oncee digested, wasn’t quite as substantial as it initially appeared.

It is good work to have added Clermont’s former Top 14 winning boss, the Heineken and URC winning Leinster boss, and Ireland Grand Slam winning coach.

The almost-insomniac, inveterate e-mail sender to all and sundry from World Rugby to referees groups, rules groups, anyone he has ever worked with, has always been an ideas’ mine and sounding board

And despite his newly created title, Coach Development Advisor, there is no doubt Richie Murphy will confide in him.

While I’d imagine there will be an Ulster function or two on the likely two/three visits here where he will be speaking.

Schmidt, understand, is always worth the plate-money.

His much nuanced and thought out views on leadership roles and responsiblities were highly prized on the Irish business circuit while his neat self-depracting humour sure helps to delivery.

Moreover, while there is a lot in it for Schmidt to get a couple of visits to Ireland where his son Tim is a ‘finance buisness’ advisor at Leinster.

While it is also likely dad will reconnect with some of the charities he worked with during his time here – there may well be a function or two in a rugby club near you.

Ulster will still be easy-up winners here even if Schmidt won’t be at training, sitting in a coaching box and will only have a minimal presence at a few games.

But the IRFU and David Humphreys might have been onto something, giving themselves a direct line of communication to Schmidt with just over a year to go the World Cup.The 60 year-old has just spent a year as part of the All Black set-up (2022-23) and three years as Australia coach.This means he has up to date dossiers on the top dozen teams in the world, not the All Blacks, Wallabies and the players that made up the 2025 Lions.

Watch this space as Andy Farrell will most likely use Schmidt as a distraction before the November internationals or the 2026 Six Nations.

But here is the real bet: Joe Schmidt to be given an ‘advisor’ or ‘consultant’ role with the Ireland RWC 2027 squad – think of Ulster as a retainer.

Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox