McLaughlin Supports Ulster Branch Coaching Clinic
Ulster head coach Brian McLaughlin hosted a Domestic Rugby coaching clinic last week at the University of Ulster Jordanstown for rugby coaches from across the province.
The workshop was the first in a series of similar clinics taking place this month, organised by the Ulster Branch of the IRFU in conjunction with coaching staff from the Ulster Rugby senior squad and Ulster Academy.
The workshop took place on the University’s indoor 3G pitch, and Brian McLaughlin used players from the Ulster Under-20 Development squad to demonstrate the process of improving players’ skills in relation to contact, with particular focus on improving the players’ abilities both before and during contact.
After an hour of practical demonstrations on the pitch, Brian conducted a question and answer session with the coaches, where the discussion focused on various issues such as improving decision-making by the ball carrier and supporting players.
30 coaches from across Ulster braved the terrible weather conditions to attend the coaching clinic.
Amongst those attending were current Ireland Schools coach Terry McMaster, Rainey Old Boys coach Rhys Botha and ex-Ulster player and current head coach at Carrick RFC, Gary Leslie.
The clinic was aimed at coaches working at stage 3 and 4 of the IRFU Long Term Player Development pathway.
Ulster Branch Operations Manager Chris Webster said: “The coaching clinic was a great success and a great platform to launch the remaining November workshops. I would like to thank Brian for providing his time and expertise – since his appointment as Ulster head coach, he has been extremely keen to be involved with the Ulster Branch coach development programme.
“He has already committed to running further clinics in the New Year, and I look forward to planning these in the coming months.
“I would also like to thank the participants for coming along, and also Gary Longwell and the other Academy staff for their support and for providing their facilities and access to their players.”
There are three remaining coaching clinics taking place in November, however, the only places available are on the Performance Analysis workshop with Alex McCloy on Wednesday, November 25 at 7pm in Ravenhill.
Anyone interested in attending, please contact Julie Dorman on 028 9049 3111 (ext 239) or email: rugbydevelopment@ulsterrugby.com.