Applications are now invited for the IRFU Leadership Development Programme for the 2019/20 season. The IRFU 'Spirit of Rugby' initiative is aimed at active volunteers who are interested in helping to shape the future of Irish Rugby. The Leadership Development Programme focuses on:

• Self Learning
• Authentic Leadership Under Pressure
• Leading Teams
• Leading Change

The modules will be offered across four weekends during the course of the 2019/20 season. The aim of the programme is to support the development of the next generation of leaders who can reinforce the culture of volunteering and assist clubs in developing a 'best-practice' inclusive approach to build clubs of the future in their communities.

Inclusivity is a core value of Irish Rugby and this course is open to innovative leaders in age-grade rugby and/or Women's rugby who are driving inclusive agendas within their clubs.

The programme is limited to 20 places and successful candidates will be invited to interview the week of August 19. A short-listing process will be held to select applicants for interview. The programme will take place in Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare on the following dates:

• Friday, September 20 & Saturday, September 21, 2019
• Friday, November, 8 & Saturday, November 9, 2019
• Friday, January 24 & Saturday, January 25, 2020
• Friday, February 21 & Saturday, February 22, 2020

Friday start will be 7pm (with an address from key-note speakers in the world of business and sport) and Saturday will run from 9am to 4pm. It is necessary to attend all four weekends. TO APPLY: Please complete the IRFU Leadership Development Programme application form and email to annemarie.hughes@irfu.ie. The closing date for applications is strictly 1pm on Friday August 2, 2019. Click here to download the IRFU Leadership Development Programme application form MODULES:         Self Leading

• Exploring who you are as a leader
• Your personal values and natural modus operandi
• What does performance leadership mean to you?
• Benefits of authenticity – how do you measure up?
• Developing your leadership coaching skills

Authentic Leadership Under Pressure

• Understanding the impact of pressure on behaviours and performance
• Understanding the effect of pressure in the way which you think and behave and how you can become more resilient as a leader – maintain high levels of performance for longer
• Personal branding – how do you communicate in an authentic manner and how do you maintain this under pressure

Leading Teams

• Factors which enhance team performance
• How to meet the unique demands and needs of each individual to enhance team performance
• Identifying the fundamental stages of team development and how to fast track this
• Building effective relationships with stakeholders/support networks
• Empowering others to lead and follow in equal measure

Leading Change

• Understand people’s varying response to change
• Take theory into action and managing conflict
• Coaching and leading your team through change
• Choosing the right communication techniques
• Negotiating for win-win and developing productive partnerships