High Attendance At Conditioning Coach Course

The week-long courses are just one part of the Certified Conditioning Coach 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 within and outside of the IRFU, with fitness coaches attending the course from Ireland as well as England, Japan and Portugal.

One of the overseas participants was Tatsuya Watanabe who is strength and conditioning coach for the Toyota Rugby club in Japan. Jose Maria de Lacerda e Mello also attended from the GDS Casais Rugby club in Portugal.

The participation of international coaches added to the course as the coaches made valuable input during the course on how players are condition in their own clubs.

The two weeks proved to be a great success with coaches developing their 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 IT 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:

Course Manager: Des Ryan
Course Administrator: Niamh Nash

Topics covered were:

Principles, Demands, Needs, Warm-Ups, Functional Assessment, Anatomical Adaptation, Integrated Conditioning, Planning & Periodisation, Testing, Nutrition, Strength, Speed, LTPD, Fundamental Movement Skills.

The presenters were:

• Des Ryan, IRFU Fitness Education Manager

• Chris Shields, IRFU Ulster Sub Academy Fitness Advisor

• Declan Gamble, SINI

• Sharon Madigan, Performance Nutritionist

• Rodney Kennedy, University of Ulster Sport Science Dept.

• Alistair Brown, Ulster Branch

• Colin Buckley, IAWA Coach Education Director

• Dr PJ Smyth, Head of Motor Development in PE and Sports Science at University of Limerick

• Antoine Mobain, IRFU Connacht Academy

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.