Coaches soak up important knowledge

THE Munster Rugby Development department recently held IRFU Stage 1 Coaching Courses at Tralee IT and Waterpark RFC.

As well as the previous week’s courses in Thomond Park and Cork Constitution FC, the Tralee IT course was full, with 40 coaches from a variety of clubs in the west Munster region in attendance, while 26 mini coaches completed the course in Waterford.

In the new course curriculum, the one-day event emphasised the key ‘FUNdamentals’ of coaching mini rugby from U-7s to U-12s by enhancing the players’ experience and development through the game, with a large portion of the course promoting rugby-centered concepts with fun games and activities.

The core focus at this stage is also the development of coaching competencies in running, passing, catching, tackling and identifying the key principles of ‘go forward’ and ‘support’ play.

Stage 1 also emphasises the development of Rugby Prime as a non-contact modified game for mini players with scrum and lineouts during later stages of mini rugby.

Highfield and Bandon

rugby clubs, along with Thomond Park Stadium, also recently welcomed coaches to the IRFU Stage 2 Coaching Course with a full capacity attending all venues.

The Stage 2 Coaching Course is run over two days and is an introduction to the 15-a-side game for coaches and helpers with limited experience in rugby.

Munster Rugby will be hosting coaching courses throughout the province over the season. For further details please email info@munsterrugby.ie