In conjunction with the RFU, the club’s coaching staff will run quarterly coaching development sessions throughout the year at the Clifton RFC training base. The programme is completely free and open to coaches of all levels and ages.

Using a combination of theory, practical-based activities and question & answer sessions, the personal development courses are aimed at improving the depth of coaching skills across a range of areas.

Head Coach Liam Middleton, Academy Coach Matthew Sherratt, Academy Manager Mike Hall and Head of Strength of Conditioning Lee Douglas will each host a session centred upon a different element of the game. Two will take place before Christmas 2011, with two more in 2012.

The first of the four 90-minute sessions will take place on Monday 12 September, starting at 7pm. Matthew Sherratt will be discussing attacking philosophy, with a particular focus on coaching line-breaks.

“We’re looking to develop a coaching centre of excellence,” said the new Academy Coach and backs specialist. “The Coach Education Programme will directly benefit coaches at local schools and combination clubs. Bristol Rugby is committed to helping to nurture the next generation of players and high-quality coaching is central to this process.”

“Individual development is of paramount importance if clubs and schools in the region are to continue delivering coaching that is safe, effective and of a high quality.”

At the end of the programme, all attendants will receive a coaching information pack including a DVD compiled throughout the four sessions.

As part of the event, the trio will run a coaching session giving an overview of training themes and exercises that will be included in subsequent weeks, focusing specifically on each of their specialities.

Following tomorrow’s session they launch the programme in the west at Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow on Thursday 28 July at 7pm with a second coaching session.

The National Specialist Skills Programme is delivered to selected regional players from under-16 to under-20 level by regional specialist coaches within the four regions of the Borders, Caledonia, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

There will be twelve sessions in each of the four areas in Galashiels, Stirling, Murrayfield and Scotstoun which will run for three Mondays a month from 1 August to 28 November.   

The programme will address and focus on developing attacking principles, scrum techniques, individual tackle techniques and, for the forwards and backs respectively, restart and lineout skills and kicking and back three play.

The programme from a players point of view is by invite only, however Scottish Rugby would like to extend an open invitation to all adult and under-18 coaches across Scotland to any or all the events at whichever location best suits them. A register will be taken each evening.

He has been undertaking a progressive running programme that was conducted by Alan McCaldin on an Alter G treadmill. The anti-gravity running machine controls the pressure exerted on the body, allowing Stephen to load his knee with up to 100% of his bodyweight.

National and Provisional Physio and Strength & Conditioning units have agreed on a planned programme for Stephen which was devised by Ulster Strength & Conditioning Coach Jonny Davis. The programme is based on a comprehensive analysis of GPS data to determine appropriate volume and intensity of sessions – Global Positioning Systems track player movements on the pitch.

Ferris has not played since picking up a knee injury in Ulster’s final Heineken Cup pool game against Aironi in January.

The summer tour, from May 31 to June 12, 2011, will include games against a Madrid XV (Saturday, June 4 in Madrid), a Castilla Leon Union XV (Wednesday, June 8 in Salamanca) and a match against a Spain XV (June 11 in Valladolid).

The Spanish are currently 23rd in the International Rugby Board rankings behind Namibia and ahead of Chile and are currently in the news for having a side in the Hong Kong sevens for the first time since 2009. They played in the World Cup in 1999 and currently have 20,016 players registered with 220 clubs.

England Counties have met the Spanish national side once previously. Both took part in a FIRA Festival in South West France in 2007, when the Counties were 21-15 winners in Morlaas.

“The Spanish tour will be the second part of our 2011 programme and will focus our attention on the Bill Beaumont County Championship matches from which the players will be chosen,” said Counties Manager Mike Old.

“The 14-day trip will provide a great rugby experience for the players in terms of their development and I’m sure that the Spanish teams will all ensure that the work we do on the practice ground is fully tested.

“There will also be some outreach work with local youngsters which has proved very popular with our players on our last two trips to Korea/Japan and Canada and which adds an extra dimension to our programme.

“I know from the time I’ve been involved with the Counties just how much players get out of these trips and how much added value they take back to their clubs.

“Inevitably, there are issues surrounding selection with the club programme running into the County Championship slot and players being affected by the decision of some CBs not to enter teams.

“The basic principles of qualification through playing County rugby will still apply as our raison d’etre is to enhance that competition and encourage people to play in it. Where anomalies occur in counties which do not participate in the championship, we have to make certain sensible concessions and look at the greater good of the competition and players who want to take part in the Championship.”

Applicants must be aged between 18 and 24 years old to qualify, must be registered unemployed and able to provide a referral letter from a Job Centre Plus to confirm their eligibility.

If successful, candidates will be enrolled on a training programme which will enable them to support the growth and sustainability of community based projects, under the direction and mentoring of experienced top level coaches and support staff.  They will be offered a six month contract to start in March 2011.

The opportunity will provide valuable experience for anyone interested in a career in community sports coaching.

There are three types of community coaching opportunities being offered by Premiership Rugby – Community Coaches and Up and Unders’ Co-ordinators offered by all 14 clubs, and Hitz Coaches, offered by Saracens, Harlequins and London Irish.  There are 76 opportunities in total.  More details about each type of role are listed below.

Salary: 25 hours a week at £5.93 an hour

Applicants can apply by visiting www.jobsgameon.co.uk and typing in “Premiership Rugby” or for more information contact Scott Watson on swatson@premiershiprugby.com

A series of open days giving information about the opportunities will take place at Job Centres around the country during February 2011.

Wayne Morris, Head of Community at Premiership Rugby, said “There are 76 community coaching roles around the country being offered by the Premiership Rugby clubs.  With unemployment figures for this age-group reaching close to a million it’s a great opportunity for young people who are currently registered unemployed to get their foot on the ladder of community coaching and to gain essential skills. The successful candidates will be learning from top Premiership Rugby coaches and at the same time helping the clubs to deliver an even higher standard of community programmes through an increased number of coaches.”

Job title:              Community Coach

Reporting to:     Club Community Manager and National Programme Co-ordinator

Contract:             6 Month Contract Starting March 2011

Job purpose:

To be responsible for assisting with the delivery of a wide range of outreach community projects and supporting school services within an associated school, including assisting the delivery of lessons, after school programmes, sports fixtures, and general school liaison in accordance with the Children’s Act/OFSTED regulations, as well as supporting the delivery of Premiership Rugby Academy Camps during school holidays, in accordance with the Premiership Rugby entry criteria document.

Summary of responsibilities and personal duties:
To work alongside the club community team leader in delivering PE sessions, lunchtime clubs, after school clubs and extended school provisions
To assist in the delivery of rugby camp holiday activities at a range of sites
Course facilitation to include registering of attendees, coaching support, utilising lesson plans, and daily planning to ensure the activities remain fun, varied and progressive
Occasionally to lead coaching sessions and learning activities to educate children on leading a healthy lifestyle
To support the club community team in delivering a range of community programmes and events across a broad range of agendas including grassroots participation, health, education and inclusion topics
To assist in the delivery of activities in community areas
To support the promotion of ticket marketing opportunities through community channels
The completion of regular monitoring and evaluation returns

Skills required:
A passion and commitment to the development of young people
The ability to gain an RFU enhanced CRB clearance and a rugby coaching qualification Enthusiasm and energy to initiate activities/sessions in a safe environment and ensure the energy is maintained throughout the day
To be a role model for all children, and develop positive relations with the children including monitoring social skills, participation, discipline and welfare
The ability to communicate with a broad range of key stakeholders including teachers, sponsors and parents/guardians

A Community Coach role offers the opportunity to receive the following training and qualifications:
Level 2 (VRQ) Teaching Physical Activity to Children
Paediatric First Aid
Tag Rugby Course
IRB Rugby Ready Qualification
Safeguarding and Protecting Young People In Rugby

It would be beneficial for candidates to have a background or experience in rugby union but not essential. Every candidate must complete an RFU enhanced CRB disclosure.

Interviews for these roles will be carried out at Job Centre venues located in close proximity to each Premiership Rugby club.  The roles are all based at the clubs.

Applications should be made using an application form, which can be completed through www.jobsgameon.co.uk and found by typing in “Premiership Rugby” or for more information contact Scott Watson on swatson@premiershiprugby.com

Salary: 25 hours a week at £5.93 an hour

A series of open days giving information about the opportunity will take place at Job Centres around the country during February 2011.

Job title:              Up and Unders Co-Ordinator

Reporting to:     Club Community Manager and National Programme Co-ordinator

Contract:             6 Month Contract Starting March 2011

Job purpose:

The development of a new nationwide programme for preschool children called Up and Unders, designed to develop children’s fundamental motor skills – coordination, balance, spatial awareness, knowledge of colours, numbers and shapes, along with introductory rugby skills – passing, catching and kicking.  Up & Unders also acts as a promotion of healthy living for children and their parents/guardians.

Summary of responsibilities and personal duties:
The identification and recruitment of venues
The recruitment of new participants
The delivery of the programme to a pre-school aged audience teaching the fundamentals of movement, balance and coordination with a rugby focus
To assist in the delivery of rugby camps holiday activities at a range of sites
To assist with course facilitation to include registering attendees, coaching support,  utilising lesson plans, daily planning to ensure the activities remain fun, varied and progressive
Occasionally lead coaching sessions and learning activities to educate children on leading a healthy lifestyle
To support the club community team to deliver a range of community programmes and events across a broad range of agendas including grassroots participation, health, education and inclusion topics.

Skills required:
A passion and commitment to the development of young people
The ability to gain an RFU enhanced CRB clearance
Enthusiasm and energy to initiate activities/sessions in a fun and safe environment, ensuring the energy is maintained throughout the day
The ability to engage and communicate with young children whilst acting as a role model for all participants, developing positive relations with all children whilst monitoring skill development, social skills, participation, discipline and welfare.
The ability to communicate with a broad range of key stakeholders including young people, sponsors and parents/guardians.

Would suit:
Drama/dance/sports related graduates or college leavers/higher education leavers
Mums returning to work
Individuals with experience of delivering on early years and movement fundamentals schemes

An Up and Unders Co-ordinator role offers the opportunity to receive the following training and qualifications:
Level 2 (VRQ) Teaching Physical Activity to Children
Paediatric First Aid
Tag Rugby Course
IRB Rugby Ready Qualification
Safeguarding and Protecting Young People In Rugby

It would be beneficial for candidates to have a background or experience in rugby union but not essential. Every candidate must complete an RFU enhanced CRB disclosure.

Interviews for these roles will be carried out at Job Centre venues located in close proximity to each Premiership Rugby club.  The roles are all based at the clubs.

Applications should be made using an application form, which can be completed through www.jobsgameon.co.uk and found by typing in “Premiership Rugby” or for more information contact Scott Watson on swatson@premiershiprugby.com

Salary: 25 hours a week at £5.93 an hour

A series of open days giving information about this opportunity will take place at Job Centres around the country during February 2011.

Job Title:             Hitz Coach

Reporting to:     Hitz Programme Manager

Contract:             6 Month Contract Starting March 2011

About Hitz:

The Hitz project, using the power of rugby, targets young people in some of the most disadvantaged areas of London. For more background  information about Hitz please visit www.premiershiprugby.com/community

Job purpose:

To lead and deliver rugby sessions.  To develop young people’s enthusiasm and participation in rugby and direct them into relevant training courses and volunteering opportunities.  To ensure activities are correctly targeted at identified priority groups and areas according to need.

Summary of responsibilities and personal duties:
To develop, in conjunction with the project manager and Hitz officers, a suitable social inclusion rugby programme
To assist, lead and coordinate rugby sessions at various venues, and coordinating competitions and other events as appropriate.  All activities to be appropriate to the needs of the target audience and be in line with the Hitz strategic aims.
To be responsible for the high quality delivery of community and social inclusion sessions as agreed in the programme
To keep accurate monitoring records for all sessions and contribute to the gathering and analysis of evaluation information for activities
To identify and direct young people onto relevant training and volunteering opportunities
To identify and direct young people towards local exit route rugby clubs
To maximise opportunities to raise awareness amongst the target audience of rugby activities and encourage their participation
To assist Hitz officers in producing reports for the project manager, funding agencies and related partners as required
To identify and follow-up potential opportunities to develop activities in line with the strategic development of the Hitz programme

Skills:
A passion and commitment to the development of young people
The ability to gain an RFU enhanced CRB clearance and rugby coaching qualification.
Enthusiasm and energy to initiate activities/sessions in a safe secure environment
The ability to be a role model for all young people and develop positive relations with them to encourage participation, improvement of social skills, discipline and respect
The ability to communicate with a broad range of key stakeholders including teachers, sponsors and parents/guardians
The completion of accurate and regular monitoring and evaluation reports.

A Hitz Coach role offers the opportunity to receive the following training and qualifications:
Level 2 (VRQ) Teaching Physical Activity to Children
Paediatric First Aid
Tag Rugby Course
IRB Rugby Ready Qualification
Safeguarding and Protecting Young People In Rugby

It would be beneficial for candidates to have a background or experience in rugby union but not essential. Every candidate must complete an RFU enhanced CRB disclosure.

Interviews for these roles will be carried out at Job Centre venues located in close proximity to each Premiership Rugby club.  The roles are all based at the clubs.

Applications should be made using an application form, which can be completed through www.jobsgameon.co.uk and found by typing in “Premiership Rugby” or for more information contact Scott Watson on swatson@premiershiprugby.com

Salary: 25 hours a week at £5.93 an hour

A series of open days giving information about this opportunity will take place at Job Centres around the country during February 2011.

The insurance experts are supporting key programmes for grassroots rugby in England, including Scrum Factory, which aims to recruit and train front row players together with developing all players in the scrum.

Pupils from Tiffin School, Kingston, attended  the launch at Tower Place, supported by RFU community rugby coaches and England scrummaging coach Graham Rowntree.

Gary Henderson, the RFU’s Head of Coach and Player Development, said: “Scrum Factory is about recruitment and retention of players, underpinned by coaching development. The truly competitive scrum is unique to rugby union and we need to train people who can play in the front row safely and regularly. The Scrum Factory is an over-arching programme that’s supported by continuous personal development for coaches.

“We’re very good at recruiting young people but the challenge is to retain them and a lot of that boils down to good coaching and appropriate competitions. With that in mind the RFU has developed a number of short courses, over two or three hours, which complement our normal qualification structure and are designed for coaches who may want to develop their own knowledge of scrum or lineout play. We are extremely thankful that Marsh are supporting this important programme.”

Rowntree said: “Props and hookers are vital to every team and to play in those positions requires a huge amount of skill and technique. Marsh’s support of Scrum Factory enables us to extend the coaching of those techniques up and down the country and recruit more players into the front row which, for me, is great news.

“I was lucky enough to have had some very talented coaches throughout my playing career and without those guys I wouldn’t be here today. I’m sure the players involved in Scrum Factory will find the expert coaching just as beneficial.”

Martin Rayfield, Executive Director, Marsh UK, said: “As official insurance broker to the RFU we are delighted to strengthen further our excellent relationship with the Union in this way. We particularly welcome the opportunity to support programmes for grassroots rugby, of which the Scrum Factory is a part, as well as the RFU’s 2,000 member clubs.”

Marsh’s association with the RFU also includes the RFU’s Emergency First Aid Course, Concussion Awareness Programme, Injury Surveillance Project and Leadership Academy.

The programmes:

Scrum Factory
The scrum is unique to rugby union, as are the players who play in it. The sport needs continually to produce capable and skilled players particularly in the front row and second row to participate safely in the scrum. By developing the numbers of front row players, we will also ensure fewer games are cancelled. The Scrum Factory is a coach and player development programme running nationwide and incorporating some of the best know ‘scrummagers’ in the country. A new scrum coaching DVD resource will be developed to run alongside the programme.

RFU’s Emergency First Aid Course
To provide a safe environment in which the game can be enjoyed by all, the course is open to clubs to encourage members, coaches and volunteers to attend a first aid training course so they can respond to basic first aid situations with confidence. This unique first aid qualification ensures that a nominated individual can take charge of any first aid need and incident, calling in the emergency services when required.

Concussion Awareness
To raise awareness and the dangers of concussion via an education programme for coaches, players, and parents of youth players.

Injury Surveillance
In association with the Sport and Exercise Science Research Group at the University of Bath, the project is funded by the RFU Injured Players Foundation and is designed to monitor trends in injury over time, gain the necessary insight into the possible causes and patterns of injury to enable more detailed research into these and to enable implementation of measures to prevent injury. The study, now in its second season of full data capture, records physiotherapist interactions with players on match days from 86 grassroots clubs in England.

Leadership Academy
The RFU Leadership Academy aims to identify, support and develop the next generation of talented, enthusiastic and skilled leaders for clubs, referee societies and constituent bodies. It complements existing club and constituent body succession plans by helping potential leaders develop the skills and confidence to step up to the next level of leadership. The programme seeks to use best practice in leadership development in the context of the voluntary rugby environment including facilitating networking opportunities to allow participants to share experiences and solutions on similar rugby issues.

About RFU
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is the National Governing Body for rugby union in England and supports participants and fans from the grassroots to the national team.
About Marsh
Marsh, the world’s leading insurance broker and risk adviser, has over 24,000 employees and provides advice and transactional capabilities to clients in over 100 countries. Marsh is a member of Marsh & McLennan Companies, a global professional services firm with over 50,000 employees worldwide and annual revenue of $10 billion, which is also the parent company of Guy Carpenter, the risk and reinsurance specialist; Mercer, the provider of HR and related financial advice and services; and Oliver Wyman, the management consultancy. Its stock (ticker symbol: MMC) is listed on the New York, Chicago and London stock exchanges

The award will allow Hitz to continue to deliver and further extend its programme across the capital over the next two years. Hitz is one of a select number of projects to receive funding from the Mayor’s Olympic Sports Legacy programme, which aims to increase participation in sport and physical activity amongst Londoners.

The Hitz programme launched in early 2010 and aims to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and break down barriers between police and young people aged 11-19 year olds, by offering participation in rugby and supporting them into education, employment and volunteering. It is delivered by Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs Harlequins, London Irish and Saracens and is supported by the Metropolitan Police Service, Active Communities Network, Premiership Rugby, the Rugby Football Union, The Rugby Football Foundation and children’s charity Wooden Spoon.

Nic Scott, Equity and Inclusion Manager, RFU, said; “The Rugby Football Union is delighted and extremely grateful to the Mayor’s Legacy Fund for its funding of the Hitz project. With this support the Hitz team will reach thousands of children and young people across London, using rugby union to turn lives away from crime and anti-social behaviour, and towards sport and a positive, confident, ambitious approach to their own futures and their impact on society.”

The programme currently runs across the capital in six boroughs – Hackney, Islington, Hounslow, Ealing, Southwark and Croydon, with week night coaching taking place in local parks. To date it has reached a total of 1500 children and young people – for most of those taking part this has been their first experience of playing the game.

Wayne Morris, Head of Community at Premiership Rugby, said; “This significant contribution of funding by the Mayor of London means that we can keep the Hitz programme running for at least another two years which is fantastic news for our social inclusion work in inner city boroughs.”

Inspector Marc Davis, of the Metropolitan Police Service, said;“The Metropolitan Police Service, a major funding partner of this project, are delighted to support this project. This extra money will ensure the sustainability and growth of Hitz in London.”

Wooden Spoon CEO, Bill Hill, said, "The Hitz programme funding will ensure that the excellent work continues and we are delighted that by building on the successes of the first year, the programme will help even more disadvantaged children to turn their lives around."

For more information about the project please go to www.hitzrugby.com

Under the central theme of Putting Players First, the Conference will bring together physicians from 25 Member Unions, independent medical experts and playing representatives to drive global best-practice policy implementation and dissemination and discuss player welfare matters at both the elite and community level. A central focus of the event will be injury prevention and player welfare best practice implementation.

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “The welfare of players at all levels of the Game is of critical importance to the IRB and its 117 Member Unions and the expanded IRB Medical Conference programme reflects the continued commitment within the global Rugby family to Putting Players First."

“Collectively, a lot has already been achieved. We now have a universal system of injury reporting and expert medical groups have devised policy on key areas, including concussion management, cardiac screening and training and education best practice. But more can be done. The outcomes from the Conference must, and will, drive policy making and the continued dissemination of information to those playing, coaching and officiating the Game."

"The inaugural IRB Medical Conference in 2009 provided an excellent first step in a new integrated approach for Unions to share information and discuss global medical issues. We are committed to ensuring that this year’s Conference will be a catalyst for enhanced player welfare practices from grass roots to the elite level.”

Following the success of the inaugural Medical Conference, which delivered a suite of player welfare and medical recommendations, the event has been extended to three days to accommodate an expanded programme of expert presentations, group discussions and policy recommendations.

Keynote speakers during the three-day event include Arsenal team doctor Gary O’Driscoll, Scotland and British & Irish Lions doctor James Robson, Professor Bill McKenna from UCL partners and former Scotland international Thom Evans.

Notes to Editors

Day 1 – November 3: The Conference will open with meetings of the four specialist IRB Medical Working Groups established as a recommendation from the 2009 Conference to drive best-practice policy in concussion management, spinal cord injury management, gender issues and implementation of cross-Union best-practice medical and player welfare policies.

Day 2 – November 4: The programme for the second day will provide the opportunity for physicians from 25 Unions, along with playing and refereeing representatives and independent medical experts, to consider the latest research and expert medical opinion on injury prevention, cardiac screening and injury reporting and management, while delegates will identify key focus areas for the IRB to consider through its Medical Strategies. The keynote speakers will be Arsenal team doctor Gary O’Driscoll, Scotland and British & Irish Lions doctor James Robson and Professor Bill McKenna from UCL partners.

Day 3 – November 5: The keynote speaker on day three will be former Scotland international Thom Evans, who will kick off a workshop session on catastrophic injury and emergency care best practice, while the delegates will also consider the player welfare benefits of GPS technology, best-practice match day medical protocols and scrum forces. In a conference first, Niall Woods (IRPA), Didier Retier (France forwards coach), Paddy O’Brien (IRB Elite Referee Manager) and Stuart Dickinson (IRB Referee) will moderate a special player, coach and referee session to focus on issues relating to the playing of the Game.

Conference Speakers: Bill Beaumont (IRB Vice Chairman), Dr Mick Molloy (IRB Chief Medical Officer), Dr Colin Fuller (IRB & FIFA Risk Management Consultant), Andrew Gray (Athletic Data Innovations), Dr Lyn Griffiths (Medical Protection Society), Professor Bill McKenna (UCL Partners), Dr Gary O’Driscoll (Arsenal FC), Andy Smith (Course Director RFU Immediate Care in Sport programme), Dr Grant Trewartha (University of Bath), Thom Evans (Former Scotland International), Adam Pearson (Sport Development Resources Ltd), Dr Martin Raftery (Medical Director, Australian Rugby Union), Dr Mike England (Community Rugby Medical Director, RFU), Dr Simon Kemp (Head of Sports Medicine, RFU), Didier Retiere (National Team Forwards Coach, FFR), Rob Nichol (Chief Executive Officer, IRPA), Niall Woods (IRPA), Dr Steve Targett (RWC Tournament Medical Director), Dr Alin Popescu (Medical Coordinator, FRR), Dr James Robson (Head of Medical Services, SRU), Dr Roger Evans (Chief Medical Officer, WRU).

The programme sees an exciting programme of matches for Rugby World Cup 2011 qualified nations Tonga, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Namibia, Russia and the USA, while Romania and Uruguay go head to head over two legs to determine the final qualification place for RWC 2011 in New Zealand.

Samoa and Fiji will also play a total of six fixtures as part of the overall Tier 1 2010 November window.

The announcement further underlines the IRB’s commitment to an expanded annual calendar for Tier 2 Nations and builds on the announcement earlier in the year of a 10 year Tours schedule that will see Tier 1 Unions playing Tests in Japan, North America and the Pacific Islands over the period.

The busy programme of international fixtures will kick-off on October 23 when Russia takes on the Argentina Jaguars in the first of two matches on consecutive weekends in Moscow.

Other highlights include Canada playing a first ever Test against Belgium on November 6 as part of their European tour, USA visiting Georgia for the first time ever to play their RWC 2011 rivals Georgia on November 27 in Tbilisi and Tonga playing matches against Italy A on November 19 and the French Barbarians on November 26.

"The November fixtures will play a significant role in the build up to RWC 2011 for those Unions that have qualified. Coaches will be looking to assess their players in a competitive test match environment and it also gives the Unions an opportunity to start testing their planning and team operations systems less than a year out from the tournament," said International Rugby Board Head of Development and Performance Mark Egan.

"Through our Strategic Investment initiatives, we are committed to investing in an international match programme for all our targeted HP and Performance Unions which gives them seven to 10 competitive games a year between IRB funded tournaments in June and the standalone test matches in November, which are underpinned by IRB funding for flights and accommodation subsidies for the touring Unions."

"We are particularly grateful to the FFR and the French Barbarians for supporting the fixture with Tonga on November 26, which will be one of the highlights of the schedule," added Egan.

The Play Rugby programme contains classroom plans and teaching aids to assist teachers, coaches and parents involved in rugby at mini and primary school level. The programme consists of full service packs that are delivered to schools through the network of IRFU Provincial Branch Community Rugby Officers and allows teachers who have no experience of rugby to bring the game to the children in their classes.

Play Rugby provides teachers and school children with session plans, video clips on how to play fun games, individual Play Rugby certificates for all members of the class and game cards that set out individual exercises and fun games for children. The origins of the Play Rugby programme are based on research that found participating in sports can have a healthy developmental impact on young children. These activities can promote co-operative play, teamwork and good sportsmanship, a key component in the ethos of rugby.

The Play Rugby programme also contains additional information for schools and clubs who would like to set up a girls rugby programme. Women’s Rugby has been targeted as a specific growth area for the game in Ireland and comes directly following the success of the Ireland Women’s team who achieved their highest ever ranking at the recent Rugby World Cup with seventh place.

All schools, teachers and parents interested in the programme are encouraged to visit the website at www.irishrugby.ie/playrugby  to review details of the programme. In addition to this, Community Rugby Officers in each of the four provinces will also be delivering Play Rugby packs to schools and clubs throughout September and any school or club interested in the programme should contact the IRFU Provincial Branches in Connacht, Leinster, Munster or Ulster.

“Play Rugby is a great way to introduce beginners to the game and also to continue the interest of those kids who may already be involved”, said Ireland and Leinster star Luke Fitzgerald. “I have always believed that the best way to get young children playing the game is to make it fun and Play Rugby certainly does that. I think it is also really important that it makes it easy for teachers, coaches and parents to organise the children to play these non contact games and get them running around and exercising in a fun way. It is these sort of programmes that sow the seeds for children to have a healthy respect for keeping active and also to play rugby.”