Irish Rugby TV: Under-18 Interpro Festival Format A Winner

In August over 200 young players assembled in the University of Limerick for the inaugural IRFU Under-18 Interprovincial Festival. The campus setting was designed to introduce both players and coaches to a professional environment and the ten-day long festival provided opportunities for personal and playing development on and off the pitch.

Mirroring the format these young players can expect to encounter if selected for the Ireland Under-18s or if they progress to the Ireland Under-20s, the festival also provided a positive environment for everyone to learn and develop.
 
Speaking about the week, Ultan O’Callaghan, Head of Rugby Development at Munster Rugby, who delivered a series of modules on Mental Skills, said: “We have 240 boys here, we’re looking at the lifestyle balance, ensuring that we’re creating better people who will also make better players.

“We look at their social development to make sure they are good role models in everything they do in life, as they carry themselves not just on the pitch but in and around our parishes and communities.”
 
In addition to the three match days, there were training days, strength & conditioning times and important advice on areas such as nutrition and recovery.
 
Off the pitch, the players got to hear from Ireland stars Conor Murray and CJ Stander as well as Munster Academy player Fineen Wycherley who is just a few years ahead of them on the player development pathway.

 
The support of parents and family was in evidence on match days but the feedback from them about the positive impact of the festival and the advice the players get at provincial level was also welcome.
 
Eoin Hogan, IRFU Age Grade Manager, was extremely pleased with the impact of the festival, saying: “We’ve had very positive feedback from players and coaches and parents. A lot of work went into planning the festival, ensuring the timing worked for everyone.

“I’d like to thank the teams that took part but also all the IRFU and provincial staff who contributed to the event. We are committed to providing a quality age-grade experience at every level, so it is important that this festival set a benchmark.”