Ulster forwards coach Clarke Dermody has lauded Joe Schmidt for his "amazing eye for detail" as Schmidt integrates into his consultancy role at Affidea Stadium. Dermody, who transitioned from Highlanders in New Zealand to replace Jimmy Duffy on Richie Murphy's coaching team, values Schmidt's presence as the team gears up for the upcoming season.

Dermody expressed to BBC Sport NI's Nicola McCarthy that Schmidt's insights into the game are unique:

A world-renowned coach with an amazing eye for detail.

• Schmidt encourages players to engage and seek advice without imposing rigid methods.

The addition of Schmidt, who focuses on coach development, is pivotal for the club, especially as he works with youth and development pathways. Dermody humorously mentioned that his primary goal is to reduce the number of scrum penalties Ulster conceded last season. He remains optimistic about the squad's outlook following a narrow victory over Edinburgh in a recent pre-season match, with a final warm-up against Ospreys set for Friday at 19:45 BST.

Despite a disappointing end to the last season, marked by a loss to Montpellier in the Challenge Cup final and a ninth-place finish in the United Rugby Championship (URC), Dermody believes the foundation is in place for improvement. He remarked, "While it was a tough end to the season, being able to put yourself in a final has to be commended."

Dermody reflected on his experience facing Ulster as a player with London Irish, noting their reputation as a tough opponent. He emphasized the importance of strong forward play to complement the team's attacking strategies, stating, "If you're in most games and the opposition walk off feeling that, you're in a good place."