In November 2015, Ulster Rugby launched the 'Women's Athlete Performance Programme' in the province, inducting 20 talent identified players, to deliver support services to assist the individuals to achieve their goals of International Rugby representation.
The profile of players inducted in the programme includes established, Senior Provincial players, talent identified athletes, new to the game and age grade players in the early stages of the talent pathway.
This programme is designed to support aims, established in the current Ulster Rugby, Women’s Strategy, to drive and improve provincial performance and increase national representation of Ulster players. The participants are exposed to a programme of on and off field delivery in area’s such as technical development, physical development, nutrition and performance skills to provide them with guidance and mentoring they require to perform at the highest level.
While in its infancy, the Women’s Athlete Performance Programme, has already contributed to significant successes detailed below;
• Ulster Provincial standout, Claire McLaughlin, debuted for Ireland in the 2016 Six Nations, joining provincial colleague Nikki Caughey as an established fixture in the Senior squad. The high point of this saw both players feature in the fixture against Italy in March.
• Kathryn Dane (2015) and Claire Boles (2016) having both been inducted into Irish Senior 7’s training squad in Dublin.
• 5 Ulster Representatives, in a squad of 12, competing in the 2016 UK School games in August, and achieving Bronze medal success alongside their combined provinces, team-mates. (Bethany McDowell, Brittany Hogan, Claire Boles, Ellie Ingram & Ellie Rix).
• 3 Ulster representatives selected to play in Rugby Europe, Under 18 Women’s 7’s Championship in Vichy, France. (Brittany Hogan, Claire Boles, Ellie Rix).
The Women’s Athlete Performance Programme is only possible through the continued support of the Ulster Rugby Supporters Club and the Sports Institute of Northern Ireland, who each contribute considerable resource to deliver the programme.
Fore more information on women’s rugby in Ulster, contact Ulster Rugby's Female Rugby Officer, Neal Johnston by email at neal.johnston@ulsterrugby.com or via telephone on 07767 115 764.
The profile of players inducted in the programme includes established, Senior Provincial players, talent identified athletes, new to the game and age grade players in the early stages of the talent pathway.
This programme is designed to support aims, established in the current Ulster Rugby, Women’s Strategy, to drive and improve provincial performance and increase national representation of Ulster players. The participants are exposed to a programme of on and off field delivery in area’s such as technical development, physical development, nutrition and performance skills to provide them with guidance and mentoring they require to perform at the highest level.
While in its infancy, the Women’s Athlete Performance Programme, has already contributed to significant successes detailed below;
• Ulster Provincial standout, Claire McLaughlin, debuted for Ireland in the 2016 Six Nations, joining provincial colleague Nikki Caughey as an established fixture in the Senior squad. The high point of this saw both players feature in the fixture against Italy in March.
• Kathryn Dane (2015) and Claire Boles (2016) having both been inducted into Irish Senior 7’s training squad in Dublin.
• 5 Ulster Representatives, in a squad of 12, competing in the 2016 UK School games in August, and achieving Bronze medal success alongside their combined provinces, team-mates. (Bethany McDowell, Brittany Hogan, Claire Boles, Ellie Ingram & Ellie Rix).
• 3 Ulster representatives selected to play in Rugby Europe, Under 18 Women’s 7’s Championship in Vichy, France. (Brittany Hogan, Claire Boles, Ellie Rix).
The Women’s Athlete Performance Programme is only possible through the continued support of the Ulster Rugby Supporters Club and the Sports Institute of Northern Ireland, who each contribute considerable resource to deliver the programme.
Fore more information on women’s rugby in Ulster, contact Ulster Rugby's Female Rugby Officer, Neal Johnston by email at neal.johnston@ulsterrugby.com or via telephone on 07767 115 764.