O’Callaghan Takes on New Challenge

Former Provincial Development Manager Ultan O’ Callaghan has taken up a new challenge within Munster Rugby, having been appointed to the newly created position of Provincial Domestic Game Manager.

Announcing the appointment, Garrett Fitzgerald, CEO Munster Rugby, said that "the position that has been created in association with the IRFU and Munster Rugby is an investment in resources, with a view to achieving long term development and growth in the domestic game."

With a counterpart in each of the four provinces, O’ Callaghan’s remit is to tap into the success of the professional team and help create a vibrant domestic rugby environment, through increasing participation in the sport at all levels, improving rugby infrastructure and delivering the key performance indicators set down in the IRFU/Branch Service Level Agreement. Reporting to the Munster Rugby CEO, O’ Callaghan will work closely with the Branch Domestic Game Committee and the IRFU Domestic Game Manager to achieve these aims.

O’ Callaghan comes to this position having spent the last five years as Provincial Development Manager, where his main function was to manage the activities of the Coaching and Development office in implementing the IRFU Development programmes prioritising rugby promotion, participation, retention and elite player development.

Commenting on his new position, O’ Callaghan said "the success of the professional game both here in Munster and on the international stage, has ensured that the sport has being given a tremendous boost and while participation numbers are on the increase, our biggest challenge is to retain these players from age grade rugby through to adult rugby. By focusing on identifying key areas for development in the domestic game, we can plan for the future and ensure that all those involved in the sport have a positive experience of rugby."