Willie Anderson, who was installed as Elite Player Development Officer over six months ago, says that the role has exceeded his expectations.
The former Ulster and Ireland captain joined the Hughes Insurance Ulster Academy after a successful teaching career, and he is now relishing being part of a professional rugby club.
“It’s been probably what I expected it to be, only better,” said Anderson. “It’s been fantastic to work with Kieran (Academy Manager, Kieran Campbell). We go back a long way and I’m enjoying working with him and the other coaches. It’s been very hard work but I’ve enjoyed every moment.
“The Academy players and the guys in the under-age squads are a pleasure to work with and they are keen to learn.”
While Anderson is a vastly experienced coach, having been Assistant Coach for both Leinster and Scotland, he admits that he has been challenged in his new environment.
“It’s been an absolute learning curve for me. I know a lot about rugby but the levels of detail required in professional rugby is unbelievable. I’ve been challenged and I’ve enjoyed that.
“I knew the importance of strength & conditioning but the set-up here for the Academy players is unbelievable in that respect. The GPS support, the nutrition advice, the analysis, the psychology, even how to cook, it’s all part of our programme.”
One of his highlights to date was the success of the Ulster U19 squad, who secured the inter-provincial series after a clean sweep of wins over Connacht, Leinster and Munster. Anderson praised their work ethic and believes some of that group have bright futures ahead of them:
“That was tremendous and again they showed fantastic character, playing for each other and having that commitment and spirit, that’s what the Ulster jersey for me is all about. When you put it on, no matter what level it is, that’s what you have to play for.
“To go down to Munster and win, it showed their ambition and desire and I’m very proud of this guys and they are tremendous kids to work with.
“From those group of boys, there will be quite a few who’ll go into the Academy and there are two or three who will not only play for Ulster at senior level, but they’ll go on and play for Ireland.”
Anderson has also been coaching the Ulster A side, along with Campbell, and he says that will be his immediate concern in the New Year. Having won 3 out of 4 British & Irish Cup pool games, Ulster is well-placed to progress to the quarter-finals following rounds 5 and 6 in January.
“Obviously, the short term goal for me is the A team and hopefully we can get ourselves into a position whereby we are into the knock-out stages, which would be great as it prolongs the season and gives some of the Academy players another taste of rugby at that level.”
A pretty good first 6 months for Anderson… let’s see what the next 6 brings!
The former Ulster and Ireland captain joined the Hughes Insurance Ulster Academy after a successful teaching career, and he is now relishing being part of a professional rugby club.
“It’s been probably what I expected it to be, only better,” said Anderson. “It’s been fantastic to work with Kieran (Academy Manager, Kieran Campbell). We go back a long way and I’m enjoying working with him and the other coaches. It’s been very hard work but I’ve enjoyed every moment.
“The Academy players and the guys in the under-age squads are a pleasure to work with and they are keen to learn.”
While Anderson is a vastly experienced coach, having been Assistant Coach for both Leinster and Scotland, he admits that he has been challenged in his new environment.
“It’s been an absolute learning curve for me. I know a lot about rugby but the levels of detail required in professional rugby is unbelievable. I’ve been challenged and I’ve enjoyed that.
“I knew the importance of strength & conditioning but the set-up here for the Academy players is unbelievable in that respect. The GPS support, the nutrition advice, the analysis, the psychology, even how to cook, it’s all part of our programme.”
One of his highlights to date was the success of the Ulster U19 squad, who secured the inter-provincial series after a clean sweep of wins over Connacht, Leinster and Munster. Anderson praised their work ethic and believes some of that group have bright futures ahead of them:
“That was tremendous and again they showed fantastic character, playing for each other and having that commitment and spirit, that’s what the Ulster jersey for me is all about. When you put it on, no matter what level it is, that’s what you have to play for.
“To go down to Munster and win, it showed their ambition and desire and I’m very proud of this guys and they are tremendous kids to work with.
“From those group of boys, there will be quite a few who’ll go into the Academy and there are two or three who will not only play for Ulster at senior level, but they’ll go on and play for Ireland.”
Anderson has also been coaching the Ulster A side, along with Campbell, and he says that will be his immediate concern in the New Year. Having won 3 out of 4 British & Irish Cup pool games, Ulster is well-placed to progress to the quarter-finals following rounds 5 and 6 in January.
“Obviously, the short term goal for me is the A team and hopefully we can get ourselves into a position whereby we are into the knock-out stages, which would be great as it prolongs the season and gives some of the Academy players another taste of rugby at that level.”
A pretty good first 6 months for Anderson… let’s see what the next 6 brings!