Ulster Rugby has secured Clarke Dermody as their new forwards coach ahead of the 2026-27 season. The former New Zealand international prop arrives from Super Rugby side Highlanders, where he served as head coach from 2022 to 2024. Dermody replaces Jimmy Duffy in the coaching setup and will relocate to Belfast this summer.

During his playing days, Dermody earned three All Blacks caps, including two Tests against Ireland in 2006. He featured prominently for London Irish, making over 100 appearances before retiring in 2012. His coaching journey began with Southland in 2014, and he contributed to Highlanders' 2015 Super Rugby triumph as scrum coach.

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy praised Dermody's experience and talent development record, expressing excitement about implementing his methods with the squad. The New Zealander previously won back-to-back National Provincial Championship titles with Tasman Mako in 2019 and 2020 alongside current Ireland attack coach Andrew Goodman.

This appointment strengthens Ulster's coaching staff with proven international expertise, particularly in forward play development. Dermody's comprehensive background across multiple coaching roles should provide fresh tactical insights for the province's upcoming campaign.