IRFU, Energia and UL in high level research programme to power Irish rugby

LIMERICK,13th Sept. The IRFU and Energia, the competitive all-island electricity provider, have established an advanced research programme which will feed into Ireland’s rugby development programmes.

LIMERICK, Monday 13th September, 2004:- The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and Energia, the competitive all-island electricity provider, have established an advanced research programme at University of Limerick which will feed into Ireland’s rugby development programmes of the future.

Commissioned by the IRFU and financed by Energia the research into Complex Training will be carried out by a top team of scientists at University of Limerick. Tom Comyns MSc, an international athlete who has represented Ireland in World Championship and Olympic Games, will work with Dr. Liam Hennessy (IRFU National Fitness Director), Dr. Drew Harrison (lecturer in Biomechanics and head of the UL research programme) and Prof. Randall Jensen (a leading world expert in complex training). The new initiative was formerly launched today by UL President Professor Roger Downer.

The purpose of the research is to gain a greater understanding of how to get the best training effect for strength and power using complex training. This technique involves alternating a heavy weight training exercise, such as squatting, with a plyometric’ exercise such as jumping or hopping. Findings from the research will be used in future Irish rugby development programmes.

Gary Ryan of Energia, which is part of Viridian Group plc, said: This is an important strategic initiative that will further enhance the power of Irish rugby. Since this research is being conducted on Irish rugby players the results will be of immense use to the IRFU. Energia is a champion of competition in the deregulating electricity market. We hope that our support will make a real contribution to rugby performance throughout Ireland, leading into the international arena where our players rank among the very best in the world.

IRFU National Fitness Director Dr. Liam Hennessy commented: We are very pleased that Energia have come on board as sponsors for our Sports Science Research Programme. This is a very important initiative. Sport in Ireland needs such support. With the Biomechanics department at the University of Limerick the IRFU have initiated a programme of research into how best to maximise our players power development. Already the preliminary results of this project are benefiting our players. We look forward to further work that will allow us get the edge’ on our competitors.