Ulster Rugby players Stephen Ferris, Johann Muller and Dan Tuohy attended the recent launch of a talent search initiative to discover future ‘giants’ of the game.
‘Ulster’s Giant Challenge’ has been devised by the IRFU, Ulster Rugby and Sport NI; the objective is to provide tall, talented athletes with the opportunity to play professional rugby.
Applicants from all sporting backgrounds can apply to attend a screening day on 25th June 2011, where they will be assessed on the functional roles of a second row forward. Successful applicants will then be entered into the Ulster Rugby player development pathway, providing an environment that gives them the best possible opportunity to play professional rugby.
Ulster Rugby has shown its ambition in the last couple of years with a number of high profile signings but this initiative demonstrates their desire to identify and nurture young talent from within the province and further afield. This season has seen a number of young backs in the Phoenix Ulster Academy make their debuts for the senior Ulster side and this is another step to ensure rugby in the province continues to progress.
Speaking about the project, Ulster Rugby Talent ID Officer Darryl Callaghan said:
‘We have identified a gap in certain playing positions in our talent identification network, particularly second row. This has provided us with the opportunity to develop and implement a height-specific talent search campaign. We are keen to assess tall young athletes from various sporting backgrounds with the potential and ambition to play professional rugby for Ulster and even Ireland in the future.’
British & Irish Lion, Stephen Ferris, is delighted to throw his weight behind the campaign:
‘When I heard about this project I was very keen to get involved and it is great to see Ulster being pro-active in searching for new players. I came through the Ulster Rugby player development programme and this is a superb opportunity for a young athlete to prove they are capable of playing professional rugby.’
Criteria for Applicants:
– male aged between 15 and 25
– tall for your age
– competing in any team or individual sport
– disciplined, competitive and ambitious
Talent Screening:
– A talent screening event will be held on Saturday 25th June 2011 at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown
– Successful applicants will be supplied with further details in an information pack
Applications can be downloaded from http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/9374.php
Applications should be returned via email to rugbydevelopemnt@ulsterrugby.com. The closing date is Friday 17th June 2011.
For further information please call +442890493222 (ext 239) or email rugbydevelopment@ulsterrugby.com.
