Ulster Rugby v Glasgow

‘THE FUTURE OF RUGBY IN ULSTER’ – AGE-GRADE CONSULTATION

IRFU Ulster Branch are undertaking a consultation process to provide an independent and objective analysis of Age Grade structures and governance within the Province.

'THE FUTURE OF RUGBY IN ULSTER'

The emergence of other forms of the game, e.g. 7's, X7s, Tag, Touch

The consultation is considered a vital part of Ulster Rugby's newly developing strategic plan for a vibrant community game within the province, but also the longer-term success of the club at professional level. Central to this will be analysis of the following: » The health of the whole Age Grade rugby pathway - focusing on all Age Grade rugby between U12 and U18 » Current and future internal and external challenges and opportunities facing schools and youth rugby in the male game » The disparity between the needs/ strengths of different rugby-playing schools and the varying type of offer required to meet all those needs » The appropriateness of current fixture and competition models » The need to promote interaction between schools' rugby and club rugby, and also rugby in the non-traditional schools - taking into consideration entry and exit from schools rugby, and how schools play a vital part in assisting with transition » The provision for rugby in the club youth setting and the varying type of offering needed The needs and requirements of all different stakeholders in a changing society - players, schools, clubs, parents etc. » Governance of the Age Grade game within the province in relation to setting and delivering strategy and aligning with IRFU Age Grade »

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» The influence of clubs & schools on the professional game/Ulster Academy (and vice versa) and the structure of Age Grade representative teams. There will be a good mix of opportunities for key stakeholders to have their say (Club convenors, Schools masters, Committee officials) - including face-to-face discussion, telephone interviews and group workshops. Alongside this, we also seek input from the Province's rugby public in general. From parents, coaches and administrators who give up valuable time to support the game, we ask that you take the opportunity to provide feedback and inform the future direction of the age-grade game in Ulster. To register your thoughts and suggestions, please feel free to complete the online survey which can be found at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ URAgeGrade Respondents must be 18 or over to engage. A separate process will be undertaken to canvass the opinions of young players in the game. Please note Ulster Rugby will not have access to your responses, which only the consultants will see, and the identity of all respondents' feedback will remain confidential and anonymous. The deadline for survey responses is Monday 23rd April 2018.

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