Coaching Courses Update
11th September 2025 By The Editor
A number of coaching courses will take place across the province over the coming weeks and months.
Last weekend saw our Children’s Coach Award get underway with courses taking place in both the University of Limerick and Clanwilliam FC.
The courses were attended by a total of 56 people with 36 attending the course in UL and 20 in Clanwilliam.
Scroll down to view a number of photos from the day.
A view of the UL course
A view of the UL course
A view of the UL course
A view of the UL course
A view of the UL course
A view of the UL course
A view of the Clanwilliam FC course
A view of the Clanwilliam FC course
A view of the Clanwilliam FC course
A view of the Clanwilliam FC course
There are a number of spaces still available in our other courses.
More information can be found below
Children’s Coach Award
The IRFU “Children’s Coach Course” is for coaches of Mini Rugby players aged 5-12.
Players are introduced to the game of rugby for the first time through participation in games with reduced numbers of 8, 10, or 12-a-side.
The goal is to develop players’ all-round skills and game-understanding with an emphasis on Fundamental Movement Skills delivered through basic Technical, Tactical & Physical course modules.
There is an emphasis on enjoyment and player development using best practice, the coach acting as a ‘Guide’ in a player-centred process.
Upcoming Courses
Kinsale RFC – 21/09/2025 (Sold Out)
Virgin Media Park – 11/01/2026
Youth Coach Award
The IRFU “Youth Coach Course” is an introduction to coaching the 15-a-side game for coaches and helpers with limited experience in rugby.
The course is suited to people working with players aged 12+ with an emphasis on player enjoyment and coaching through best practice.
The course is designed to develop the coach in the role of ‘Teacher’.
Upcoming Courses
Virgin Media Park – 28/09/2025 (Sold Out)
Senior Coach Award
Irish Rugby’s Senior Coaching Course is for coaches working with 15-a-side teams where players are aged 16+.
Principles of Play are developed through Key Factor Analysis and applied to individual skills, mini-unit skills, unit skills and team skills.
Coaches who complete the course are expected to be able to identify and rectify technical deficiencies in players. They will also have the ability to plan, organise, manage, communicate and develop the skills of their players through implementation of both sport specific and generic sport modules.
The course is designed to develop the coach in a ‘Challenger’ role.
Upcoming Course
Online #1
Date: Wednesday 8th October 2025
Time: 19:00-21:00
Online #2
Date: Thursday 16th October 2025
Time: 19:00-21:00
Practical/On pitch
Date: Saturday 18th October 2025
Time: 09:00-17:00
Venue: University Limerick 4G Rugby pitch and The Pavilion Conference room
“Before completing the form, please ensure you meet the requirements and available for online and practical sessions as well as the ability to complete the pre course requirements.”
Expressions of interest close – Monday 15th September at 5pm
Successful applicants will be informed no later than Friday 19th September, and will be provided with the relevant information to register for the course.
Active Coaching Badge
The Active Coach Badge is a CPD program to supplement coaching awards.
The IRFU ‘Active Mini Coach Badge’ and ‘Active Coach Badge’ courses are intended to provide coaches who have achieved the IRFU Children Coach, Youth Coach or Senior Coach Award(s), with ongoing continuing professional development (‘CPD’), i.e. information and opportunities to ensure that learning and development of your coaching skills continue throughout the season.
Upcoming Courses
Mini Coach Refresher | Carrick-on-Suir – 25/9/25 7pm-8:15pm
Mini Coach Refresher | Clonakilty RFC – 5/10/25 10am-12pm
Mini Coach Refresher | Listowel RFC (Listowel Coop Field) – 11/9/25 6:30pm
Mini Coach Refresher | Fermoy RFC – 19/10/25 10am-12pm
Scrum | UL4G – 20/10/25 6pm-9pm
Scrum | Virgin Media Park – 20/10/25 7pm-8pm
Backline & Team Attack | UL4G – 3/11/25 6pm-7pm
Backline & Team Attack | Virgin Media Park – 3/11/25 7pm-8pm
Lineout | UL4G – 10/11/25 6pm-7pm
Lineout | Virgin Media Park – 10/11/25 7pm-8pm
Cornerstones Tackle & Catch Pass | Fethard Town Park 17/11/25 7pm-8pm
Cornerstones Tackle & Catch Pass | MTU Tralee 17/11/25 7pm-8pm
Cornerstones Tackle & Catch Pass | Virgin Media Park 17/11/25 7pm-8pm
Cornerstones Tackle & Catch Pass | UL4G 17/11/25 6pm-7pm
Mini Coach Refresher | St Senan’s RFC – 19/11/25 7pm-8:15pm
Team Defence from Phase Play | UL4G 24/11/25 6pm-7pm
Team Defence from Phase Play | Virgin Media Park 24/11/25 7pm-8pm
Cornerstones Ball Carry & Breakdown | UL 4G 1/12/25 6pm-7pm
Cornerstones Ball Carry & Breakdown | Fethard Town Park 1/12/25 7pm-8pm
Cornerstones Ball Carry & Breakdown | Virgin Media Park 1/12/25 7pm-8pm
Cornerstones Ball Carry & Breakdown | MTU Tralee 1/12/25 7pm-8pm
Mini Coach Refresher | Dolphin RFC 7/12/25 10:30am-12pm
Mini Coach Refresher | Garryowen FC 10/12/25 7pm-8:15pm
Mini Coach Refresher | Nenagh Ormond RFC 15/12/25 7pm-8:15pm
