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In the Cardiff match programme we featured an article on the Female Rugby
Athlete Performance Programme which was, at that time, still in its infancy.
In line with the aims of the IRFU (Ulster Branch)
Women’s Rugby Strategy regarding provincial
performance and international representation, the
programme identifies, and provides assistance for,
talented players who have the potential to play at
the highest level in the female game.
In collaboration with the Irish Senior, Ulster Senior
and Ulster U18 Girls’ coaching staff, 30 players
were invited to apply for a place on the programme.
Twenty three players, both Senior and U18 were
successful and commenced their additional
training provision in early November.
The players are provided with assistance in the
following areas to enable them maximise their
potential:
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On field technical and tactical support
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Strength and Conditioning and rehabilitation
support
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Mental skills and lifestyle support
The programme is delivered at various centres
across the Province, with specialist coaches
delivering the various elements of content. Ulster
Rugby’s Director of Rugby, Les Kiss (pictured
below right) demonstrated his support for the
programme and his commitment to developing
rugby throughout all areas of the provincial game
by assisting with the delivery of a recent on-field
skills session.
The players will enjoy a well-earned break over
Christmas before a half-day camp at Ulster
University on 3rd January. On the day, players will
take part in a battery of fitness tests to benchmark
themselves against current Ireland International
standards. They will also participate in mental and
lifestyle skills workshops delivered by the Sports
Institute of Northern Ireland, before an on-field
training session.
Since the commencement of the programme,
there have already been significant successes
at international level. Queen’s University’s Claire
McLaughlin was included on the squad for Ireland’s
recent senior international friendly against England.
Enniskillen’s Kathryn Dane has also recently been
included in the Ireland senior training squad.
There are a number of acknowledgements that
must be made to various partners who have
enabled this programme to become a reality:
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The Ulster Rugby Supporters Club for their
financial contribution.
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Sports Institute Northern Ireland for their mental
skills, lifestyle and nutrition support.
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Queen’s University Belfast, Dungannon RFC,
Dromore RFC, Malone RFC and Ballymena
Academy for access to their facilities.
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The various coaches for their expertise and
input.
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The players for their enthusiasm for, and
commitment to, the programme.
FEMALE RUGBY ATHLETE
PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME
FEMALE RUGBY UPDATE