Munster Rugby Age-Grade Development Programme Resumes

With the easing of Covid restrictions and the resumption of underage non-contact sport, the Rugby Development Department re-commenced the age-grade player development programme, inviting identified players from clubs and schools into county training centres.

In total, 12 centres are running across the six counties in Munster. Speaking about the return, Coach and Player Development Manager Keith Murphy said:

“We are delighted to resume our age-grade player development programme. We have invited back the 2003-2005 born players who were with us last summer. Having spent the last four months doing weekly Zoom meetings and Individual Conditioning & Skills Programmes at home, it is great for the players and coaches to get back on the pitch.”

The player development programme is designed to support players by focussing on their technical, tactical and physical capacities and adding to their holistic rugby experience. The Munster age-grade player development pathway commences with U16 players coming from clubs and schools throughout the province and delivers programmes at U17 clubs and schools, U18 clubs and schools, culminating with an U19 combined squad.

Speaking about the overall programme, Murphy commented:

“Players are identified playing with their club or school and invited into the programme. This process takes place through a player ID system, observing player performances or through contact with their club and school coaches.

Regional Development Squad at Musgrave Park this week

“In this regard, we are extremely grateful to the clubs and schools for their co-operation in this programme and ultimately, the players’ invitation to our programme is based on the excellent coaching and playing experience they are getting with their club or school team.”

The current programme, which will run across a six-week period, is based out of 12 venues throughout the province. The extra venues, as Murphy explains, is to ensure that a safe environment is provided to all under the current government guidelines.

“We have 12 centres running across the province with staff, volunteer rugby and athletic development coaches supporting the programme. This is a far greater number of players than usual for this time of year, and we have created the extra centres to ensure we can abide by current guidelines.

“We are working within designated pods and delivering non-contact training sessions. Each centre has a Covid Officer who oversees our standard operating procedures and Covid compliancy measures to ensure we maintain a safe training environment for all.”

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The Rugby Development Department are currently supporting clubs and schools with their #ReadyForRugby programmes. If you are looking for support, please feel free to contact your designated Rugby Development Officer or coach and Player Development Officer.

Resources to assist coaches can be accessed through our coaching site https://www.munsterrugby.ie/domestic/coaching/