Transition Year Coaching Course Programme Underway

The Munster Rugby Transition Year (TY) programme has kicked off again this season with six schools completing their courses in October and several other schools commencing before Christmas.

The TY program is designed to introduce students to a holistic rugby development approach and support their understanding of technical, tactical, physical and lifestyle components associated with rugby development. The program supports the student competencies with coaching and event management, in many cases creating local primary school events or blitzes, which are managed and co-ordinated by the TY students with Munster Rugby staff.

The game promoted is Rugby Prime, a non-contact version of rugby, which can be played with small and large numbers, in halls, yards, grass areas and on pitches.

The modules delivered during this course give students an overview of best practices when developing fundamental movement skills together with rugby development skills. Students will learn the role of coaching and how to manage practices. The program has been running for several years and is delivered by the Rugby Development department. All attending students receive an IRFU Play Rugby certificate on completion and get access to several rugby development modules and resources through Gainline, the online learning management system.

In addition to delivering Play Rugby in secondary schools, the department also deliver the program in third level universities and colleges, promoting best practice rugby development modules, in a non-contact and fun sporting context.

Commenting on the program Keith Murphy, Coach and Player Development Manager said: “We have been delivering TY and third level rugby development courses for several years now. Ray Gadsden, our Participation Program Co-ordinator, and his team, together with our women and girls’ development team and our rugby development field officers, work collaboratively to deliver these programs across the province.

“The course itself is based on a fun, non-contact version of rugby, and gives the students a great insight to the game of rugby, together with an understanding of more physical and mental aspects surrounding the game’.

Murphy adds:

“It is wonderful to see TY students apply their learning when inviting in primary schools for blitzes and school open days. Our team support the students with running these events and it creates a super atmosphere for both the student and the player. We have also seen many of the third level student teachers coming to our emerging school blitzes with their schools, after they graduate, which is very pleasing to see.”