Ulster Appoints Clarke Dermody as Forwards Coach
Ulster Rugby has officially announced the appointment of Clarke Dermody, a former New Zealand international, as the province's new forwards coach. Dermody, aged 46, is set to join the team this summer ahead of the 2026-27 season, succeeding Jimmy Duffy in the role.
Dermody will be transitioning from the Super Rugby franchise Highlanders, where he has held multiple coaching roles, including a two-year tenure as head coach from 2022 to 2024.
"While we are sad to say goodbye to Jimmy Duffy who is moving on, as a coaching team we are very excited to be welcoming Clarke to Ulster this summer," said Ulster head coach Richie Murphy.
"He is an experienced coach, with a strong track record of developing top talent. We are looking forward to seeing him implement his methods and philosophy with our squad next season."
Playing Career
During his playing days, Dermody was a loose-head prop who represented Southland, the Highlanders, and London Irish. He made over 100 appearances for London Irish before an injury led to his retirement in 2012. Internationally, Dermody earned three Test caps for the All Blacks, including two matches against Ireland in 2006.
Coaching Career
Dermody began his coaching career in 2014 with the Southland Stags. He was also the scrum coach for the Highlanders during their victorious 2015 Super Rugby campaign. Alongside current Ireland attack coach Andrew Goodman, Dermody co-coached the Tasman Mako to consecutive National Provincial Championship titles in 2019 and 2020.
Following his success as the Highlanders' forwards coach, Dermody was promoted to head coach in 2022 after Tony Brown departed for Japan. He later transitioned to an assistant coach role two years afterward when Jamie Joseph returned to lead the Dunedin-based franchise.
