Coaching is an integral part of rugby and the development of coaches is essential to the development of the game. This summer the IRFU Coach Development Programme was in full swing.

Between May and August 2007, 19 days and 38 presenters were utilisied in the IRFU National Coach Development programme:

 National Tutor Course – May 4, 5, 6
 Assistant Level 2 Coaches Course – May 19, 20
 Level 3 Coaching Course (part 1) – May 31, June 1, 2, 3
 Level 3 Coaching Course (part 2) – July 26, 27, 28, 29
 Level 2 Coaching Course (part 1) – August 3, 4, 5
 Level 2 Coaching Course (part 2) – August 10, 11, 12.

Due to the re-development of Lansdowne Road our courses have been hosted in Malahide RFC and we would like to thank the club for their support and professionalism in assisting with our Coach Development programme and look forward to continuing our successful relationship with them in the coming years.

Objective and independent reviews are an integral part of our aim to continually improve the Coach Development programmes. We would like to thank Mark Harrington (IRB), Michael McGeehin (NCTC), Kevin Bowring (RFU), Fabrice Brochard (FFR) and Franco Ascione (FIR) for giving their time and advice in ensuring we keep moving forward and provide first-rate training programmes.

Finally, we would like to thank all the trainers, tutors, and coaches who gave up their time to ensure that these courses were an excellent and enjoyable experience for all, and wish them the very best for the season ahead. 

Stephen Aboud & Colin Moran
IRFU Coach Development Department