Ulster Rugby v Munster

STAFF PROFILE

NAME: MICHAEL BLACK ROLE: PROVINCIAL TALENT COACH

Describe your role within Ulster Rugby? I manage the club and school player pathway from U16s through to the Abbey Insurance Ulster Academy. Within this pathway, I assist in the development of the very best talent who are nominated to the National Talent Squad (NTS). I'm also currently the Ulster ‘A’ and Ireland U18 Team Manager. Describe your career / employment history? I’ve just completed 20 years with Ulster Rugby in various roles. Straight out of University I started as a Youth Development Officer based in the North West and progressed to roles as a Regional Development Officer and then Coach Development Officer. I also refereed for 10 years, being contracted by the IRFU for 8 seasons. Favourite thing about your job? Being involved in rugby every day! What do you enjoy most about working for Ulster Rugby? Seeing young players develop and playing at the next level. Also, watching them fulfil their rugby potential and developing as people.

What is your biggest achievement to date? I would say it was seeing the development of players from outside of the traditional rugby ‘hotbeds’ in Ulster be recognised at the highest level, such as Adam McBurney, Aaron Hall and Joe Dunleavy. What is the most challenging aspect of your role? Dealing with multiple people and various stakeholders across numerous programmes on a daily basis. What are your plans/goals for the upcoming season? To ensure that as many of the NTS players as possible put themselves in a position to be selected for Ireland U18/U19 squad. Also, that those NTS players who are leaving school are well prepared so that they are challenging for an Academy contract to continue their development along the player pathway. Who is your favourite Ulster player? Unfortunately, Willie Anderson has retired!

To get in touch with Michael, email michael.black@ulsterrugby.com

UlsterRugby

GET SOCIAL. FOLLOW US.

OfficialUlsterRugby

#SUFTUM

35

WWW.ULSTERRUGBY.COM