Based at Affidea Stadium along with the senior squad, the aim of the Ulster Rugby Academy is to develop rugby talent to reach their potential and perform to URC, European and international standard.
All players must have the ability to play rugby for Ireland.
The High Performance Pathway begins with identifying U16 club and school stream players. This pathway continues at U17 level leading to U18 clubs and U18 schools representative teams.
The pathway progresses to U19 where these two streams amalgamate and culminates at age grade with the Ulster U19 provincial team. As the players progress through the pathway, they develop strategic, tactical, technical, physical and mental skills. Their potential to be recognised as a Sub Academy or Academy player after U19 level is assessed against these five performance characteristics.
Academy Facilities
The Ulster Rugby Academy has some of the best facilities, anywhere in the world.
Players who join the programme benefit from the use of the 7,000 square foot gym built as part of a £20 million redevelopment of Ravenhill. They also train on a state-of-the-art 3G pitch which is accessed from the Aquinas Stand at the ground.
Whether it is medical, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy or coaching, the Ulster Rugby Academy is second to none.