Ulster Rugby vs Ospreys

OUTDOOR GYM INSTALLED AT BELFAST HARLEQUINS RFC

Belfast Harlequins RFC has benefitted from a new state-of-the-art outdoor gym courtesy of Garden Escapes in conjunction with The Great Outdoor Gym Company (TGO).

DOMESTIC UPDATE

Garden Escapes have been providing equipped outdoor fitness areas across the province since 2012 for councils, schools, sports clubs and community groups. Following some user group feedback, they set about developing a new range of products that are more suited to users with a higher level of fitness and that could be used as a group training facility within a club or school setting. The equipment is robust, well designed, cost effective and offers flexible training opportunities. Richard Stuart of Garden Escapes explains why they chose Belfast Harlequins as their first rugby club location: “Our experience has been that the public like to try before they buy so we launched a competition on social media looking for a suitable sports club for our first installation. Belfast Harlequins were selected due to the diverse range of sporting activities that take place at Deramore Park, as well as the number of community based initiatives that the club are involved with. Initial feedback from the club has been very positive as they are excited about having a squad training facility on-site.” DC Gillespie, Director of Rugby at Belfast Harlequins, said: “I would like to thank TGO and Ulster Rugby for this excellent new outdoor gym facility. As a club we are always looking for ways of improving facilities and we recognise the importance of strength and conditioning in developing

high performing rugby players. The outdoor gym will provide all year round access and will be ideal for individual, small group and team activities. Coaches can integrate S&C and skills sessions when appropriate and easily monitor engagement and progress as players work in close proximity – on pitch and at the nearby gym. The advice and assistance from Ulster Rugby Fitness Development staff is greatly appreciated and with their ongoing help I have no doubt that our players can gain maximum benefit from this facility.” Clubs are being encouraged to explore the use of outdoor training facilities such as this. You can arrange to call in to view the facility by contacting Belfast Harlequins on 028 9066 3277. If interested in finding out more about outdoor gym facilities, please contact Chris Shields (Ulster Rugby’s Fitness Education Manger) via chris.shields@ulsterrugby.com or Matthew Stuart (TGO) on 02897564477 or via matthew@tgoireland.com.

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