IRFU Initiates IRB RUGBY READY Programme
Rugby is valued as a sport for men and women, boys and girls. It builds teamwork, understanding, co-operation and respect for fellow athletes. Its cornerstones are as they always have been: the pleasure of participating; the courage and skill which the game demands; the love of a team sport that enriches the lives of all involved; and the lifelong friendships forged through a shared interest in the game.
The above statement from the International Rugby Board (IRB) charter encapsulates the game of rugby. In order to preserve and enhance this ethos the IRB and the constituent unions and governing bodies are committed to making the game accessible to players, officials and supporters at all levels.
The IRB Rugby Ready programme aims to support individual coaches, referees, players and Unions in preparing to play the game and with good practice models for physical conditioning, technique, injury prevention and injury management.
The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) is delighted to have been associated with the design and implementation of the IRB Rugby Ready programme and in bringing it to the attention of all the stakeholders in Irish rugby.
‘Rugby Ready’ is a new initiative from the IRB which aims to provide coaches, referees and players with best practice guidelines on Physical Conditioning, Technical Performance and Injury Prevention.
Get online now at http://www.irbrugbyready.com/ to complete the self-check test and receive your Rugby Ready certificate.
IRB Rugby Ready covers such areas as:
- Pre-participation
- Equipment
- Warm-up
- Cool Down
- Physical Conditioning
- Lifelstyle
The programme also looks at the technical aspects of the game including:
- The tackle
- Taking the ball into contact
- The scrum
- The lineout
The website for Rugby Ready allows you to create your own account, view coaching advice and referee’s tips as well as videos explaining the content and complete your own progress chart.
For information and assistance, please contact your Provincial IRFU Branch office.
The IRB Rugby Ready programme follows in the footsteps of the highly successful Rugby Smart and Smart Rugby initiatives from New Zealand and Australia.
This programme is not intended to replace these initiatives but to provide a global resource for stakeholders around the world. Implementation strategies and policies are for individual Unions to determine.
A number of IRFU staff were involved in the design of the programme including Steve Aboud (National Coaching Director), the staff and players of the Leinster Rugby Academy, Dr. Conor McCarthy (IRFU Medical Officer) and David Keane and Alan Rogan (IRFU Referees).