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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
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.
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