Leinster Players Graduate From HETAC Programme

Leinster Rugby have announced this year’s graduates from the HETAC (Higher Education and Training Awards Council) programme for 2011. They are Jason Harris-Wright, Ian McKinley, Tom Sexton and Eamonn Sheridan.

The quartet received their Diplomas in Professional Rugby at an awards ceremony in the RDS this afternoon.

Jason Harris-Wright, Ian McKinley, Tom Sexton and Eamonn Sheridan follow in the footsteps of Fionn Carr, Matthew D’Arcy, Felix Jones, Ross McCarron, Conor McInerney, Kevin McLaughlin, Shane Monahan, Sean O’Brien, James Power, Jonathan Sexton, Richie Sweeney, Devin Toner, Kyle Tonetti and Cillian Willis who have all graduated from the same programme in recent years.

Overseen by Leinster Academy manager Colin McEntee in conjunction with Tom Turner, Academy fitness coach, and Caroline Keane, Academy administrator, the programme encompasses a three-year supplementary course in modules such as Rugby Technical, Tactical, Generic, Fitness, Lifestyle, Media and Psychological skills.

Leinster Rugby also acknowledge the continued support of those conducting the modules over the course of the diploma ranging from Leinster and IRFU staff, together with outside professionals specific to each module.

Special thanks to the support team of Girvan Dempsey, Wayne Mitchell and John Fogarty (Elite Player Development Officers) and also Dave Fagan, Sami Dowling and Bryan Cullen (age grade strength and conditioning coaches) for their hard work.

McEntee commented: “The Diploma in Professional Rugby is a very important part of the Leinster Academy programme and we pride ourselves on our provincial development pathway and in encouraging players to have the best all-round education on and off the field.

“Through our association with HETAC, it enables Leinster Rugby to conduct a course, culminating in a diploma, which is specifically designed to prepare for all aspects of professional sport.

“We are delighted that four more of our Academy graduates have received their diplomas today and we wish Jason, Ian, Tom and Eamonn every success in the future.”