After serving as a selector with New Zealand and head coach of the Wallabies, Schmidt describes his current role with Ulster as one that is “more for the future than the present”, with an official title of coach development advisor.
The “pretty flexible” arrangement in Belfast will see him spend this month offering support and guidance to coaches through all levels of the province’s pathways before returning again in April for another stint.
In between, there will be remote work. With stories of his rugby obsession well-worn, it will surprise few that such study has already started in earnest, even during his downtime last week while working with Australia A in America.
Despite enjoying such successes with Leinster before taking the Ireland job in 2013, with one of his two Heineken Cup successes coming thanks to a thumping final victory over Ulster, he does not feel strange now being associated with a different province.
“It’s funny, I’m just coaching, so it’s often not about the tracksuit top [you’re wearing],” he said.
“It’s just about trying to do a good job, trying to develop understanding, improve technique, and that doesn’t really change. I don’t think I change.
“But it’s doesn’t feel foreign. I’ve spent plenty of time in this stadium. In fact, before this stadium was built [in 2014], I spent a fair bit of time in an old wooden one that was here. It’s not something I’m uncomfortable with.”
Indeed, it was in part those pre-existing relationships at what is now the Affidea Stadium that helped pave his way for the surprising switch.
Rory Best, Ireland skipper for some of Schmidt’s best days in coaching, is now general manager at the province, while head coach Richie Murphy was part of the Kiwi’s ticket with both Leinster and the national side.
“I think it builds trust,” Schmidt said.
“I think [Best] trusts that I’ll work hard and try to help people as best I can, and I trust that Bestie will make sure that I get to do as much as I can when I’m in the windows that I’m on deck.
“I’ve known Richie, coaching with him for 10 years, and that was part of why I was comfortable coming in and working on the pathway so that when [players] get handed to Richie, hopefully they’re in a good place.”
