Summer Player Development Programme Commences

22nd July 2020 By The Editor

Munster Rugby Services Co-ordinator Aidan Cleary takes the staff and voluteers through the safety plan at Irish Independent Park.

As preparations continue for the return to rugby the province’s summer Player Development Programme commences this week after staff and volunteers completed their safety training and venue walk-throughs on Monday.

Rugby Development staff were joined by volunteers at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park with both venues designated as age grade training venues.

The Munster Women’s squad will also operate out of Thomond Park and use Ballincollig RFC as an additional training venue.

Covid compliance officers and a Covid Manager have been appointed to each venue and will oversee the operational process.

In following the IRFU guidelines, staff and volunteers attending the designated venues joined an online webinar on Monday evening, and are required to complete daily health screening checks using the IRFU’s online platform, GAINLINE.

For the returning players there is restricted capacity at each venue with players split into designated training groups for their pitch sessions. Before each session, a pre-training assessment document must be completed by each player.

Speaking about the commencement of the Player Development Programme, Head of Rugby Development, Colm McMahon, said, “The amount of work that has gone on behind the scenes to get us to this point is significant. We are grateful for everyone’s effort and contribution in making the process as seamless as possible.

“The priority is always for a safe and challenging learning environment for our players, and understandably this year’s circumstances have made the task far greater.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers and staff who have carried out the preparation work to ensure this stage of return to rugby, successfully getting our players back on the pitch while adhering to all measures.

“I have to single out Ballincollig RFC for providing their facilities for our Women’s team training. It again highlights the great working relationship we have with our clubs and rugby community.”