The week-long courses are just one part of the certified conditioning course with the purpose of the course to provide support in terms of education - both theoretical and practical - to the coach who wishes to develop his or her confidence and competence in delivering a structured conditioning programme to players in the amateur game.

There was good interest this year from outside of the I.R.F.U. with fitness coaches attending the course from Scotland, England, Wales, France and Portugal. One of the overseas participants was Olivier Barbier who is strength and conditioning coach for Perpignan the recently crowned champions of France.

The two weeks proved to be a great success with coaches developing there skills and making connections and friendships during the course.

The week proved to be very enjoyable with coaches and presenters mixing well during the two weeks and many contacts were made for future development.

The facilities in Jordanstown and I.T. Carlow were of a very high standard which was of great benefit as the course was mainly practical.

This resulted in a very active and fun week for the coaches.

The course is run by Dr. Liam Hennessy, IRFU Director of Fitness, with assistance from Des Ryan, Course Manager and IRFU Fitness Education Officer and Course Administrator Niamh Nash.

Topics covered were:
Principles, Demands, Needs, Warm Ups, Prehab, Functional assessment, Integrated Conditioning, Planning & Periodisation, Testing, Nutrition, Strength, Speed, LTPD, Fundamental Movement Skills.

Course Presenters:
* Des Ryan, IRFU Fitness Education Manager
* Paul Pook, Irish Senior Team Strength and Conditioning Coach
* Chris Shields, IRFU Ulster Sub Academy Fitness Advisor
* Declan Gamble, SINI
* Ruth Wood Martin, IRFU Performance Nutritionist
* Rodney Kennedy, University of Ulster Sport Science Dept.
* Chris Webster, PDM Ulster Branch
* Colin Buckley, IAWA Coach Education Director
* Martin Zagiega, Silver medalist Super heavy weight Olympics in Seoul 1988 and full-time German weight lifting Coach
* Dr PJ Smyth, Head of Motor Development in PE and Sports Science at University of Limerick

The coaches are now required to undertake the accreditation process which if successful will lead to the coach being a confident and competent conditioner.

Many coaches who have completed the CCC course in the past are working with regional squads in the four provinces ensuring that young Irish rugby players are been physically developed using best practice.

Many other coaches are implementing the content they learned on the CCC course with their school or club. This is increasing the development age of our players throughout the country.

For more information on the Certified Conditioning Programme, please click here.