CIT Home To Cork Based Squad

Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) has signed a licensing agreement with Munster Rugby which will see the Cork based members of the professional Munster squad and academy headquartered at CIT’s Elite Gym on its Bishopstown Campus.

The four-year agreement will see Munster utilising the sports and ancillary services at CIT. Squad members and Coaching Staff will be based at CIT’s Elite Gym which includes a 625sq meter gym area along with video analysis rooms, squad meeting rooms, physio treatment rooms, dressing rooms, offices & recreation area. Squad sessions will be held on a dedicated training pitch as well as the use of all CIT’s sporting facilities such as the athletics track.

Part of the cooperation agreement between CIT and Munster Rugby will also see academic development and research into training equipment, as well as strength and conditioning on the Sports Engineering side.

CIT will also cooperate with Munster staff and players facilitating enrolment in CIT and further learning.

Dr Barry O’Connor Registrar and Vice President for Academic Affairs said that he was delighted that CIT and Munster Rugby had created this linkage. “The growth and success of Munster over the past number of years has been one of Ireland’s greatest achievements and so we are very pleased that the Cork based squad members and staff will be utilizing the world class facilities we have here at CIT. All of our sporting facilities are located here on our campus which is fantastic for our staff and students.

We are confident that this agreement will be beneficial to both sides in terms of making a contribution to the success of Munster and in helping CIT continue to attract the best students from around the country. Munster squad members will also be able to benefit from CIT’s business/enterprise focussed programmes combined with accessible and flexible delivery mechanisms.”

Tony McGahan Director of Rugby, said, “Munster Rugby are very pleased to be associated with CIT. The quality of the facilities at the campus consolidates both the professional & academy operations in Cork and will I know show benefit over time in the quality of player development. We are also enthused with the possibilities for cooperation in research projects and the academic opportunities made available.”

CIT’s Elite Gym is fully kitted out for the purpose of Team & Athlete Training in Strength and Conditioning and is available for CIT Sports Clubs and CIT Sports Bursary Recipients.