Ulster Rugby vs Cardiff Blues

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FEMALE RUGBY On Saturday 10th October Ulster Rugby launched a Women’s Athlete
Performance Programme as part of a strategy to increase its representation in
the Ireland squad ahead of the Women’s World Cup coming to Belfast in 2017.
Around 15 talented players will be selected for the
programme, which is part-funded with £2000 this
season and next by the Ulster Rugby Supporters Club
(URSC).
The programme will include additional on-field
training with advanced technical and tactical sessions
as well as strength and conditioning support, rehab,
mental skills and lifestyle support.
Ulster Rugby’s Female Rugby Officer, Neal Johnston,
welcomed the initiative: “With this generous donation
from URSC, we are able to establish a programme
of delivery to support female athletes with identified
talent and provide more comprehensive support in
a performance environment that will allow them the
very best opportunity to reach their aspirations and
Across Ulster we currently have two adult female
teams competing in All Ireland League 1, six adult
teams in Ulster Division 1, seven in Ulster Division
2, with four U15 and five U18 teams participating in
competitive youth leagues. In addition to this their
numerous clubs, both adult and youth at varying
stages of development who play friendlies and take
part in blitzes throughout the season.
More females are taking up the game from mini
to adult level and with this increased popularity
comes an increased need for coaches, parents
and volunteers to help develop effective and
sustainable structures.
If you are a player, ex-player, coach, parent
or someone with an interest in getting
involved in this rapidly growing game in any
capacity, please do not hesitate to contact
Ulster Rugby’s Female Rugby Officer,
Neal Johnston on 07767 115 764 or via email
potential. Our intention as a province is to see Ulster
Women represent Ireland and contribute to continued
successes on the International stage.”
URSC Chairman Jonathan Bill said: “URSC recognises
the importance of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in
Ireland in 2017 and the need to use it to provide a legacy
for growing the female game in Ulster.”
Fellow URSC Committee member Niki Wild, herself an
ex-Ireland international, added: “We hope that URSC
funding will provide a local girl with an immediate
opportunity to properly and professionally prepare for
the biggest competition the women’s game can provide.
In turn, hopefully the Irish team’s performance will inspire
others to follow in their footsteps.”
URSC SUPPORTS WOMEN’S ATHLETE
PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME
Whilst the Athlete Performance Programme represents the ambition to
improve representation at the highest level, this can only be sustained with
a vibrant and competitive domestic rugby environment.