This week, Ulster Rugby marked the official launch of the 2026/27 CCRO/CPO Programme, with 30 Club and Community Rugby Officers (CCROs) and Club Participation Officers (CPOs) from clubs across the province coming together at the Affidea Stadium for a day of continuing professional development (CPD).
The CCRO/CPO Programme is a grant-funded initiative delivered across Ulster Rugby, designed to support the growth of participation, retention and transition within Mini, Youth and Disability Rugby. It also helps to provide clubs with the capacity to employ development officers who are responsible for engaging with their local communities through a range of participation initiatives.
The programme is supported by the Ulster Rugby Foundation, Fermanagh and Omagh Council and Mid Ulster Council.
The launch day began with an introduction to the work and support provided by the Ulster Rugby Foundation. Attendees then explored the important role CCROs and CPOs play within their communities and how they can help create meaningful opportunities for people to engage with rugby.
The group was later joined by Ulster Rugby’s Rugby Development Coaches, who delivered a session-planning workshop focused on the Play Model. Participants examined how the model can be used to create engaging and effective rugby sessions before taking to the pitch to put their learning into practice by delivering sessions of their own.
Following lunch, Dr Jenny Kavanagh from the IRFU introduced attendees to the online portal used to record and monitor coaching and participation activity, ensuring officers are equipped with the tools needed to track and demonstrate the impact of their work throughout the season.
The day concluded with an introduction to T1 Rugby, the IRFU’s non-contact format of the game. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the format before getting involved in a practical session and enjoying some game time on the pitch.
The launch event provided an excellent opportunity for officers from across the province to connect, share ideas and develop their skills ahead of the new programme year. With a strong focus on community engagement and increasing participation in rugby, the 2026/27 CCRO/CPO Programme is set to make a significant impact in clubs and communities across Ulster.
It was a highly successful day, and the Rugby Development team greatly enjoyed meeting and working with everyone involved as preparations begin for another exciting year of participation growth across the province.