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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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