Age-Grade Regional Development Programme Update

The Munster Rugby Age-Grade Regional Development programme enters its 7^th week with over 200 players from U16-U19 from the male and female game working at home through weekly training plans, Zoom fitness sessions and fun challenges.

Under the current restrictions, the development team adapted its traditional regional programme to create online versions so that players can continue their progress under the current restrictions.

The programme runs concurrently with seven boys and five girls groups throughout the province. Their weekly optional programme includes 2-3 rugby sessions to do at home, 2-3 conditioning sessions and intermittent challenges or skills tests. The players are also invited to weekly Zoom meetings with their coaches to discuss many aspects of the game which also include online fitness sessions with their S&C coach.

The programme is designed to replicate the holistic player development approach exercised by the Rugby Development Department, supporting players’ development while also assisting them to remain active during the current lockdown.

Here's Week 7 of our Individual Home Skills & Conditioning Programme aimed at players U13 & up (incl. adults). This week focuses on the catch-pass 👐🏉

This has been designed by our Rugby Development Department to keep your skills and conditioning sharp during lockdown 💪

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 22, 2021

The proportion of individual technical rugby skills and athletic development is very well balanced and areas such as games-based coaching, mental health and well-being, nutrition and performance analysis are also being covered.

The development team of coach and player development officers, rugby development officers, women’s development officers and CCRO strength and conditioning staff, together with technical skills development coach Mike Pettman, continue to design and deliver the program during this current lockdown to ensure players are rugby ready when the opportunity to get back on pitch arises.

South Munster CPDO, Owen Mullowney said:

“This period has been very challenging for all the players, but it is very evident from our engagements how the players are learning new skills and coping mechanisms by learning to be self-disciplined and self-motivated during these unusual times.

“We are dealing with a totally new environment and I believe these skills will definitely stand to the players and coaches when we get back on the pitch.”