Joe Schmidt makes shock return to Ireland after Australia departure

, Schmidt has been invited to spend around a month in Belfast, where he will work alongside Richie Murphy and his coaching team during pre-season preparations.

The 60-year-old only recently stepped down as Wallabies head coach following Australia's July Test campaign, ending his two-year spell in charge. Since then, he had been linked with a return to Super Rugby, with reports suggesting he was in the frame for the vacant Waratahs job.

However, those rumours now appear to have missed the mark.

A temporary spell at Ulster would see Schmidt reunited with Richie Murphy, who previously worked under him at Leinster.

Ulster are looking to bounce back after a disappointing campaign that saw them miss out on the URC play-offs before suffering defeat to Montpellier in the EPCR Challenge Cup final.

Schmidt is widely regarded as one of rugby's leading coaches, having transformed Leinster into European champions before guiding Ireland to three Six Nations titles during his hugely successful tenure in charge of the national team.

Despite leaving the Wallabies, Schmidt's links with Australian rugby are not expected to end completely.

The report claims he will also work with Stephen Larkham and Australia A during their October tour of the United States, continuing in an advisory capacity.

If the move is confirmed, Ulster will benefit from one of the game's most respected coaching minds during the final weeks of pre-season, with Schmidt's experience expected to provide a significant boost as Murphy's side prepare for the new URC campaign.