Coach Development Deliver Successful Workshops

The Munster Rugby Coach Development department recently completed 11 IRFU coaching courses, which included stage 1 and 2 and facilitated all four regions of the province.

The courses were extremely well attended with nine of the courses reaching full capacity this season.

West Munster commenced the coaching programme with a scrum/lineout workshop hosted by former Munster prop, Marcus Horan, and Munster Rugby Coach Development Officer, Brendan O’Connor, while Waterford facilitated a core skills workshop in Waterpark RFC.

A very successful Girls and Women’s Coaching Forum also took place last Monday in the Munster Rugby High Performance Centre at the University of Limerick, where over 50 coaches attended.

Guest presenter, Horan, delivered on developing the Scrum from the Ground Up, and the IRFU Head of Coach Development, Matthew Wilkie, discussed the challenges and opportunities when coaching female rugby.

Munster Rugby Coach and Player Development Manager, Keith Murphy, said: “Monday was a very successful night and allowed us the opportunity to bring together volunteer coaches of the girls and women’s game throughout the province. We haven’t done this for a number of years and the engagement and collaboration was very productive.

“Since the completion of our formal coaching courses two weeks ago, we have carried out a survey across all stages of coaching the 15-a-side game. We have taken on board the feedback and are delivering our regional workshops based on the core areas that the coaches have identified.”

The Coach Development department will continue to increase their informal learning offerings in the regions by focusing on the core skills of the game with workshops taking place over the coming weeks.

Ennis RFC are set to host a General Movement workshop this evening (Friday 8 December, 7pm), where presenters Noel O’Meara and Euan Gee will deliver on developing game appreciation through structured and unstructured play.

Garryowen FC will host a workshop on Monday 11 December and Cobh RFC will welcome attendees on Thursday 14 December.

Murphy added: “Over the coming months, we will focus mainly on the ‘Big Rocks’ theme with a large emphasis being placed on coaching catch / pass, tackle technique, breakdown and continuity skills.

“The Coach Development Officers are looking forward to getting on the pitch within their respective regions and delivering good practice across these key areas of coach and player development.”

For further information on coach development and regional workshops please contact: aidancleary@munsterrugby.ie