My Job In Munster: Andy Brace

Andy Brace is a Community Rugby Officer for Limerick and Tipperary.

Andy worked for the Cardiff Blues as a Community Development Officer and studied Sports Science and Coaching in Plymouth University before joining Munster Rugby.

When did you join Munster?
I joined Munster Rugby in 2009 and worked in a number of positions from Club/Community Rugby Officer to Limerick Regeneration Community Rugby Officer before being appointed as the Community Rugby Officer for Limerick and Tipperary.

What do you do?
There are 5 main programmes I would work closely with in my role as a CRO; player development, coach development, club support scheme, referees and the women’s game. My main role would be to drive and support these programmes in clubs, schools and the community across Limerick and Tipperary. Some of the work that we would deliver from a week to week basis would be club/school blitzes, regional development squads, club/school player and coach workshops, ‘Play Rugby’ programmes and coaching courses.

What is the best part of your job?
Having a career involved in rugby is something that I’ve always wanted to do but the wide variety of working in something different every day always keeps this job interesting. From taking a stage 1 (mini rugby) player/coach workshop on one particular day; where players are just being introduced to the game for the first time, to working with our regional cadets/development squads on another; who are on a pathway to a potential Munster U-18 Side is highly rewarding.

Most memorable match?
As I’ve only been here five years, I would say my most memorable moment has to be the time when Munster went through an incredible 41 phases before Ronan O’Gara went and did what he did best and slotted a 40-metre drop goal to beat Northampton in the Heineken Cup in 2011.