New IRFU Coach Education Curriculum

Munster Rugby Coach Development and Community Rugby staff recently attended training on the revised IRFU coaching material for Stage 1 and 2 Coaching courses.

This followed IRFU training last April focusing on the new Stage 3 Course material. IRFU Training Manager Colin Moran conducted the course which incorporated three consecutive days for both events.

The 2016-17 season will see the launch of the revised material where the content focuses on player-centred approaches to coaching. A brief synopsis of the content is highlighted below and further details will be sent to all clubs and schools in due course:

Rugby Prime: This replaces the former Leprechaun rugby course and is most suitable for coaches at Under 7, or involved in transition year and 3rd level initiatives. The emphasis on this game is non-contact with progressive modifications to challenge the players understanding of the game.

Stage 1: This caters for coaches at Mini Rugby level. It continues to accommodate coaches from Under 8 to Under 12 level, with attention to the key regulations at each integrated stage. This course involves an Introduction to Stage 1 which focuses on those coaching at Under 8 level, and progresses to the development of unit skills and General Movement. This is a 2 day course and full entry criteria and accreditation requirements can be found here.

Stage 2: This caters for coaches from U13 to U16 (Assistant Coaches) inclusive and potential Adult coaches. It accommodates coaches specifically at stage 2 level or with less experience of the 15 a-side game, either coaching or playing, seeking an understanding of the coaching process. It explores the game through General Movement and emphases the player exploring the 15-a-side game. This is a 2 day course and full entry criteria and accreditation requirements can be found here.

Stage 3: This is a course for Head Coaches from U16 to Adult rugby. Coaches must meet entry requirements regarding experience in the game. This course is specifically designed to promote technical competencies within the game focussing on collective, unit and reduced skills. Accreditation requirements for this course include a practical observation and the logging of 50 hours. Further details on accreditation requirements are available here.

The validation of coaching qualifications will be every three years, within which individual CPD will be required to maintain the accreditation. Further details will be available to all clubs and schools in the coming weeks.

Please see below provisional dates for the coaching courses. Application forms are available here. Please note applications for Stage 3 and 4 (Coaches at AIL, AIL U20, SCT, J1 Qualifying League) may be completed and returned to janeburns@munsterrugby.ie

For further details on coaching courses please contact your designated CDO or CRO or course administrator janeburns@munsterrugby.ie

Munster Rugby Coaching Courses 2016-17

Colin Moran tutors Munster Rugby Coach and Community Rugby Officers at Irish Independent Park