16 May, 12:06
The Irish Rugby Football Union is pleased to announce that they have appointed Dave Clark as the new Head of Fitness to oversee all areas of elite performance in professional and representative teams.
Editor

In line with the changes in 'Date of Eligibility' and the alignment of Age Bands, Lifting in the Lineout can now occur at Schools JCT (U16, 1st January) and Ulster Medallion. The lifting should occur with binding or pre-binding on the shorts only.
"If Lifting occurs outside these parameters then it is an offence which is sanctioned by a free kick."
Referees will manage and sanction appropriately.
At this stage players may not have the strength or experience to bind on the thighs and therefore more stability would be provided by both lifters taking their grip on the jumper's shorts.
Support on the legs would also move the centre of gravity of the jumper further away from the grips thus increasing in-stability.
Therefore the following recommendations are made:
Rugby Departments in each of the branches were requested to conduct seminars with both Schools and Youth Coaches during the month of September.
The curriculum of the seminar should follow the Line Out Module for the Level 1 coaching course.