Players Awarded ‘Certificate Of Enterprise Potential’ At CIT

In continuing to recognise the need to develop the skills of rugby players outside the sport, particularly in the area of business, Munster Rugby, IRPUA and CIT collaborated to develop a ‘Certificate in Enterprise Potential’.

The aim was to promote and protect the welfare of players by endeavouring to safeguard their futures both on and off the pitch. With this in mind, IRUPA (Irish Rugby Union Players Association) approached CIT to develop an enterprise and business focused course.

CIT’s School of Business in conjunction with IRUPA and Munster Rugby, designed, developed and delivered a 30 week 20 credit Special Purpose Award entitled ‘Certificate in Enterprise Potential’.

Past and present players who participated in the course – which began in 2012 – included Donnacha Ryan, Donncha O’Callaghan, Mick O’Driscoll, BJ Botha, Doug Howlett, Leifimi Mafi and Denis Fogarty.

The objective of the course was to provide participants with the skills to understand how an enterprise operates and the steps involved in turning an idea into a business opportunity. Flexible hours allowed players to fit in lectures and study around training and match sessions at provincial and national level.

Areas covered included; exploring business viability, communication practice, management in action, and finance and tax for business. Another key element of the course was to build up a network of both entrepreneurs and business support contacts for players. In support of this, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalists attended a ‘Meet the Entrepreneur’ workshop for participants.

Munster’s Donncha Ryan and Doug Howlett were present to receive their awards at CIT last night, while awards for those not in attendance were awarded in absentia.