Leinster Rugby Academy Player development / Academic development

 QQI (HETAC) Supplementary awarded course.  Aim: To produce Professional Rugby Players  Outcome: Provide players with the necessary training, information and support that they need to become accomplished professional rugby players  To qualify for entry  Player Profile (Specifics)  Undertaking, Third level Education and or a Trade (duty of care) The Programme

 Parents  Parents are given a presentation of the operations of Academy, programme and support services.  Player academic development is discussed  Leinster/UCD Partnership:  To provide opportunities for Leinster players to take a course at UCD  Course Tutors  Where applicable course tutors are informed and Academy programme outlined  Coaches  Academy Managers co-ordinates the relationships to take the pressure of the player  Auxiliary support  Additional support provided where applicable.  Course Mentors, Time Management Etc. Support Network

Identify Profile Develop Educate Monitor Evaluate Review Assess Process

Reality  Rugby is not a long term career  The Academy believes and recognises the importance that players pursue alternative career paths.  This gives players additional career opportunities when they retire from the game  Example of Courses  Health & Performance Science  Geography & sociology  Business Studies  Law  Physiotherapy  Commerce  Arts

Managing Rugby and Academic Development  Players outline their course schedule and timings-early  Communicate with Course Director/Tutor  Training schedule - timings  Ongoing communication with players to allow for flexibility  Course Modularisation  Time management modules  Player performance Reviews

“Supports and encourages players to manage their own learning in order that they maximise their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance and become the person they want to be”  A mentor company provides a suitable mentor that will take a common sense approach to advising players  Mentors advise, assist and guide players with self development  Goals (Set and Get)  Networking Build relationships  Life plans- Realistic and focused Mentoring Programme

Total Preparation  Technical  Tactical  Physical  Mental  Lifestyle  The glue that holds the above pillars together.

 Organised  Planned and prepared with respect to, workshops, training, matches, work, study  Time Management  Allocates and managers appropriate time to effectively undertake commitments  Balance  Pursues interests which add value other that rugby e.g. vocational, educational, recreational, social etc.  Academic Performance  In performance reviews, monitor academic performance and development Lifestyle (Profile snapshot)

CAREER & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Strategic Approach Pillar Career & Education Personal Development Finance / Asset Mgmt Player Image Risk Management Key Areas Processes Desired Outcome -Study management -Work experience -Flexible delivery -Guidance -Alternative pathways -Community engagement -Networking -Mentoring -Profiling -Interview skills -CV -Presentation skills -Media & speaking skills -Brand awareness -Social networking -Social responsibility -leadership -Basic finance management -Tax advice -Pension/insuran ce advice -Mortgages -Investments -Mental health -Drug & alcohol awareness -Anti-doping -Gambling -Social integrity -Rehabilitation programs To be devised by National CPD Board -Increased % of players in higher education -Bringing players closer to Irish communities -Broader career path options -Promote more ‘rounded’ individuals -Provide confidential support -Set direction in player careers -Ensure clean image of sport -Players viewed as strong ambassadors / role models -Player understanding of personal & team brands -Ensure career earnings are maximised -Ensure player has financial buffer in transition -Minimise risk of poor investment -Minimise risk of ‘bad press’ for the sport -Maximise player opportunity to succeed

Example of a Complete Professional Irish Rugby Player A player that has the talent and positional characteristics Who has balance in his life Who is Intelligent Who is mentally stimulated and challenged Who can process information quickly Who is organised Who has clear identified goals Who is mentally strong Who leads his own development Who has strong values Who strives for excellence

Conclusion  A player has to perform and make effective tactical decisions in an pressured, emotional environment.  A player that is mentally stimulated and with a healthy mind has the capacity to react, adapt and act, efficiently, in a moment in time.

 “What we should doing is saying of every 100 kids in Manchester who are going to be going through Manchester United Or City’s academies, statistically less than one of them will make it, so why not make sure that every single one of these people get a parallel education in how to be a proper human being and not a complete moron?”  John Amaechi ex basketball star Reflection