Ulster Rugby Annual Report 2016-17

As well as working with the representative teams, the Ulster Academy Staff led by Kieran Campbell take sessions in schools. Ulster Schools has maintained and developed their strong working relationship with the Academy Staff over the past few seasons, with a high level of mutual respect for each other’s objectives. A large number of teachers are involved in the various representative and development squads from U16 through to U19. This involvement provides an opportunity for teachers to learn from other coaches and administrators. Thanks are expressed to them for their commitment to rugby, particularly over the summer months. Thanks to the members of the Schools’ Committee for their work. Some members of the committee have been involved in the Ulster Branch Rugby Committee working groups focusing on Transition and Retention, Coaching and Volunteering. The Committee also promotes the IRFU Charitable Trust in schools to encourage fund raising for this worthy cause. Schools’ rugby continues to benefit from the drive and expertise of the Principals’ Representative Stephen Black who also chairs the committee and does much work behind the scenes to ensure that the integrity of school rugby at all levels is maintained. The work of Alan (Barney) McGonigle in providing a weekly roundup of matches which is circulated throughout the island of Ireland ensures the school game maintains a high profile and he would be the first to acknowledge the key role played by all those who send him match reports. This year, Graduate Teaching Apprentice positions for Pre-PGCE Students were continued. Three placements, funded by IRFU and schools, commenced in September with Ricky Andrew (Ballymena Academy), Oliver Millar (Royal School, Armagh) and Jonathan Wright (Omagh Academy) as the beneficiaries.. Thanks to Chris Webster and to Scott Walker (IRFU) for their

support with this scheme and it is anticipated that it will develop over the years with further places available. Finally thanks to the Ulster Branch President John McKibbin and his Officers for their support of schools rugby over the season and for attending the many finals to present cups, etc and medals. YOUTH RUGBY Youth Rugby continues to be a key development area for the game in Ulster. The Youth structure takes mini- rugby players and guides them through the different age levels, advancing their skill and fitness levels by the provision of meaningful, challenging and competitive games in league and cup competitions. The Youth Committee also works with clubs and the Elite Development Program. This endeavours to give young players the best opportunity to further develop and improve their skills and fitness and helps them progress towards the adult game. Some of these young players are selected for the Regional Development Squads and this helps in identifying the Under 18 Youth side and future Ulster Academy candidates. A key target of the Youth Committee is to grow the Youth game in Ulster. It is therefore pleasing to be able to report that Donaghadee and Cooke have now entered the Youth Leagues, the overall number of games remaining similar to last year. Had it not been for the loss of Dromore’s forty one games, a result of the local High School having entered Schools Rugby, an overall increase would have been achieved. It is also worth noting that the good work done by the CCROs has seen many new players recruited and introduced to the game throughout the season. For some clubs this has been vital to their ability to field teams week by week. It is vitally important that Clubs capitalise on this work ensuring Youth players are actively transitioned into the adult game.

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