Academy Players Put Through Their Paces
The ‘Academy Select’ is a selection of the best Academy players in Ireland. Players nominated by Academy Managers, Elite Player Development Officers and Coaches were originally screened and tested before selection. This elite group recently came together for 3 days at DCU.
The players and parents received a presentation from Allen Clarke, outlining the demands and expectations for the players. They were also introduced to the respective High Performance specialist service providers, who, along with Provincial Academy personnel, will be supporting each player to realise his full potential.
A short video showing the training routines is available here.
High Performance Fitness Coach – Philip Morrow
High Performance Analysis – George Murray
Performance Nutrition – Ruth Wood-Martin
Sports Psychology – Chris Lonsdale
The 3 day program included;
• Rugby skills / technique
1. Catch-Run-Pass, delivered by Nigel Carolan – Connacht Academy Manager
2. Continuity, delivered by Colin McEntee – Leinster Academy Manager
3. Tackle technique, delivered by Les Kiss – Ireland Defence Coach
4. Kicking technique, delivered by Mark Tainton – Ireland Kicking Coach
• Fitness testing – functional & physical
• Evasion/ running mechanics
• Positional best practice analysis
• Nutritional assessments and workshop
The players involved were:
Paddy McAllister
Jamie Hagan
Ruadhri Murphy
Tommy O’Donnell
Paul O’Donoghue
Conor Murray
Ian McKinley
David Kearney
Chris Cochrane
Kyle Tonetti
Ian Whitten
Felix Jones
Nevin Spence
Niall Morris