Ulster Rugby vs Cardiff Blues

On Saturday 10th October Ulster Rugby launched a Women’s Athlete Performance Programme as part of a strategy to increase its representation in the Ireland squad ahead of the Women’s World Cup coming to Belfast in 2017. URSC SUPPORTS WOMEN’S ATHLETE PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME

FEMALE RUGBY

potential. Our intention as a province is to see Ulster Women represent Ireland and contribute to continued successes on the International stage.” URSC Chairman Jonathan Bill said: “URSC recognises the importance of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland in 2017 and the need to use it to provide a legacy for growing the female game in Ulster.” Fellow URSC Committee member Niki Wild, herself an ex-Ireland international, added: “We hope that URSC funding will provide a local girl with an immediate opportunity to properly and professionally prepare for the biggest competition the women’s game can provide. In turn, hopefully the Irish team’s performance will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

Around 15 talented players will be selected for the programme, which is part-funded with £2000 this season and next by the Ulster Rugby Supporters Club (URSC). The programme will include additional on-field training with advanced technical and tactical sessions as well as strength and conditioning support, rehab, mental skills and lifestyle support. Ulster Rugby’s Female Rugby Officer, Neal Johnston, welcomed the initiative: “With this generous donation from URSC, we are able to establish a programme of delivery to support female athletes with identified talent and provide more comprehensive support in a performance environment that will allow them the very best opportunity to reach their aspirations and

Whilst the Athlete Performance Programme represents the ambition to improve representation at the highest level, this can only be sustained with a vibrant and competitive domestic rugby environment.

Across Ulster we currently have two adult female teams competing in All Ireland League 1, six adult teams in Ulster Division 1, seven in Ulster Division 2, with four U15 and five U18 teams participating in competitive youth leagues. In addition to this their numerous clubs, both adult and youth at varying stages of development who play friendlies and take part in blitzes throughout the season. More females are taking up the game from mini to adult level and with this increased popularity

comes an increased need for coaches, parents and volunteers to help develop effective and sustainable structures. If you are a player, ex-player, coach, parent or someone with an interest in getting involved in this rapidly growing game in any capacity, please do not hesitate to contact Ulster Rugby’s Female Rugby Officer, Neal Johnston on 07767 115 764 or via email Neal.Johnston@Ulsterrugby.com

13