Ulster Rugby Annual Report 2015 - 2016

from the domestic and professional game within Ulster Rugby alongside talent coaches and managers who operate primarily within clubs and schools. The season for these players now encompasses 7 months of the year and their training is integrated between the needs of the programme and their club playing requirements. This season has been a successful one for the programme with 2 players working their way through the programme to earn Ulster Academy positions and a further 2 players gained international recognition with the Ireland U18 XV. This season’s squad of U16’s have provided 10 players who currently train with the U17 squad. Throughout the season interaction with both domestic and professional staff has been further enhanced with several best practice workshops taking place to advance shared learning across the organisation and also with our talent coaches. This interaction and development was maintained throughout the programme with support in delivery of rugby sessions through the season. Coaching During season 2015/16, the rugby development team undertook a provincial club coach audit which identified gaps in the provision of appropriately qualified coaches across all levels of the game. The outcome of the audit has been used to provide direction for the coach education programme throughout the season. Due to the success of the audit, this process will be repeated on an annual basis and it will form the basis for future coach development programmes. Below is a table of the number of coaching courses and attendees during season 2015/16.

to supporting the welfare of everyone involved in the game and promoting positive health and wellbeing as an emerging priority. This strategy will be utilised to support the further development of the game across the province. Regionalisation Update This has been the first full season of a new regional staffing structure reporting through a more streamlined management function. Working to a specific plan, each of the 4 regions has progressed well in terms of liaising more closely with their allocated clubs and schools and developing key relationships with key stakeholders. Supported by a network of part time Club Community Rugby Officers (CCROS) the staff have worked hard to provide support around participation programmes for males and females and grow the number of appropriately accredited coaches working with teams. This year has seen the expansion of the regional forum concept into other areas of the game beyond youth rugby. These forums provide a great opportunity for volunteers to work closely with staff to share best practice amongst clubs and schools as well as look at ways of addressing common challenges. It is hoped that as a result of a comprehensive review of national strategy at the end of this current season, well developed regional plans will be in place for the start of the new season. Player Development – Regional Development Squads The Ulster Rugby Regional Development Programme has evolved during the 2015–16 season. The programme has been expanded to 4 squads made up of players who currently play club youth rugby. (Previously 3 squads during 2014-15). The squads are managed and run through a combination of staff

13 13