Irish Rugby TV: IRFU Rugby Development & Academy Staff Conference

Over 80 staff from across the four provinces have come together for the annual IRFU Rugby Development & Academy Staff Conference. The event is taking place across two days as part of the IRFU’s commitment to continuing professional development.

Today’s first workshop focuses on Coaching & Coach Development and is hosted by Wayne Goldsmith. Goldsmith is an Australian-based coaching expert with 25 years experience across a range of sports and sports bodies, including Rugby Australia.

Talent Development is a central component of the middle part of the day as Dr. Scott Drawer draws on his experience with schools sports and Team GB in Olympic sports to presents a uniquely interactive workshop.

Former Leinster, Brive, Northampton Saints and Connacht rugby player Damian Browne will deliver an after-dinner address about completing the solo rowing Atlantic Challenge.

Before that, the theme of creativity comes to the fore. Google’s Global Head of creative Capability Development, Kirk Vallis, will deliver a session entitled, ‘Creativity: The most demanded skill in the world’.

IRFU Head Of Coach Development Matthew Wilkie coordinated the event. He says it is about supporting IRFU staff both nationally and within the provinces.

“We’re here to invest in all the employees within Irish Rugby,” he said. “That’s regardless of the province that you work for. It’s about making our people who are engaging with our communities and our schools and our clubs better and more equipped to do their role more effectively.”