Ulster Rugby - Annual Report 2017-18

During these sessions the coaches completed pre- season fitness tests and drew up training programmes for all potential squad members. This set the foundation for the future conditioning development of the Ulster Women’s Squad. Over the course of several months the squad trained twice a week at Dromore Rugby Club, resulting in a final squad of thirty being selected prior to the Inter-pro campaign. Despite having limited time to work with the squad, marked improvements were made in this time to improve skills and enhance both their style and pattern of play. The squad was a relevantly young one, with a small core of experienced players. Despite playing with determination and resilience the team saw no wins during the December series, going down 10-34 at home the Leinster, 5-32 away to Munster and completing the series with a 7-29 loss at home to Connacht. On review and analysis, it was evident that Ulster competed in the first quarter of each of the games, and demonstrated tenacity despite facing more established and seasoned teams. Tries were scored in every match and with further experience and conditioning this young squad has the potential to improve, given the right support, allied to hard work and commitment. It is hoped that an off-season structure can be developed in order to continue the progress already made this season.

Thanks go to all the staff for their input to the squad. There was a strong sense of collective purpose amongst the staff throughout the summer and both staff and players were clear from the outset on the ultimate objective for the season. Thanks also to all the parents and family members who supported the players throughout the summer to get them to Newforge and for their attendance at matches. Thanks also go to all the coaches in Schools for their work in developing the players over the years and for their patience in September when their best players were not available to them. Finally, a big thank you is recorded to our sponsors Danske Bank for their generosity . ULSTER WOMEN’S XV Performance Consultant: Derek Suffern

Head Coach: Davy Chambers Assistant Coach: James Blair Strength & Conditioning: Paul Heasley

Players from across the All Ireland League and Divisions One and Two of the Regional leagues were invited to attend preliminary training days.

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