Arabic version: ديرمودي يشيد بدقة شميت في ألستر

According to BBC News, Ulster forwards coach Clarke Dermody has praised Joe Schmidt’s “amazing eye for detail” after the former Ireland head coach joined the province as a coach development adviser this summer.

Dermody, a former New Zealand prop, arrived from Super Rugby side Highlanders to replace Jimmy Duffy on Richie Murphy’s coaching team. Schmidt joined Ulster following a spell as Australia head coach, with his remit focused on developing coaches across the province.

Dermody said it was “awesome” to have Schmidt around the club as the squad prepares for the new season. He described Schmidt as a world-renowned coach who views the game differently, adding that the adviser is willing to give coaches time and share his ideas without insisting that they follow one approach. Dermody said Schmidt’s work with youth players and pathways was important, while his presence also gives others at the club an opportunity to learn from him.

The new forwards coach said his main task was to “halve the scrum penalties” Ulster conceded last season. He has been encouraged by the squad so far after a narrow pre-season victory over Edinburgh. Ulster host Ospreys on Friday in their final warm-up fixture before beginning their United Rugby Championship campaign at home to Edinburgh on 25 September.

Ulster ended last season with defeat by Montpellier in the Challenge Cup final and finished ninth in the URC, missing the play-offs and a Champions Cup place. Dermody said the “building blocks are there” for improvement, noting that several close matches could have changed the final league standings. He added that forwards must bring physicality to support Ulster’s attacking play.