My Job In Munster: Ultan O’Callaghan

Ultan O’ Callaghan is the Domestic Rugby Manager at Munster Rugby.

Ultan worked in sales before joining Munster Rugby as a Development Officer. This was familiar ground to him having previously played and coached with Munster.

When did you join Munster?
I joined Munster Rugby as a Development Officer in 2000 and then took up the role as Coach Development Manager. In 2008 I was appointed to my current role of Domestic Rugby Manager.

What do you do?
My role in the Munster Rugby Development Department is to ensure that the pathways and structures of our clubs, schools and colleges are in place, to enable people to learn the basic skills of our game, participate in sport of their choice, develop their competence and performance, and strive for levels of excellence.

My role is also to assist volunteers in improving the game and quality of rugby in Munster and to ensure that everyone – coaches, players, referees and volunteers – come away with a positive experience. This is achieved through all IRFU programmes, driven by an excellent team of Rugby Development Officers and supported by dedicated committees throughout the province.

Our joint aim is to make a difference and to reach out to people in our communities for promotion, participation and retention in our game across Minis, Youths, Women’s, Adults, Schools, Colleges and Referees, with a constant view towards improving our service and meeting all needs of the future game.


What is the best part of your job?
Working with players and volunteers looking to develop themselves through rugby at all levels. Where I constantly see all the values and spirit of our game is through the behaviors of our players, coaches, teachers, referees, moms and dads every day. We are very lucky to have such a large and dedicated number of volunteers across our 70 clubs, giving their time freely to develop our games values, shaping the players of tomorrow.

Most memorable match?
There are many matches that live in my memory but from the most recent campaigns, one that encompasses all the characteristics of Munster Rugby, was their must win Heineken Cup clash with Northampton in the 2011/12 Season. After 40 phases Ronan O’Gara kicked a drop goal to win the game 23-21. To never give up and always find a way no matter what challenge presents itself is the epitome of what we are.