There are currently 65 players in this year’s Academy. The Academy operates at 4 levels, level 1 being Schoolboy and youth players, this feeds into levels 2 and 3 who are based at the Sports Institute for Northern Ireland (SINI). There are also Academy club players – they are not fully integrated into the Academy, but are late developers who have been identified at club level.

Who makes up the team of staff looking after the Academy and what are their roles?
We are really fortunate to be based at the Sports Institute of Northern Ireland at Jordanstown with its excellent facilities, and its support structure and staff. 

As High Performance Manager, amongst my day to day work is the co-ordination of the weekly program, liaison with Ulster rugby and SINI staff and regular contact with club coaches. I also report regularly on player progress, and will watch and analyse players from the videos of their games.

The rest of the Academy team is as follows:
• Neil Doak – Elite Player Development Officer (for players under 19)
• Steve Richards - Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Simon Harland – Physio
• Mike Webb – Doctor
• Denise Martin – Video Analyst
• Johnny Bradley – Level 2 Video analyst

SINI Support Staff
• Des Jennings – Performance Lifestyle Manager -  looking after study, money, work issues
• Declan Gamble – Sports Scientist – Responsible for all fitness testing, monitoring body fat and blood testing
• Sharon Madigan – Nutritionist. Monthly one on ones with the players to monitor calorie intake/hydration levels
• Sports Psychologist – helps players with mental preparation

All level 3 players in the Academy also have an Ulster Senior Squad mentor, with whom they do video analysis once every few weeks.  For example Niall O’Connor works with David Humphreys to do video analysis of his performance.  Each positional mentor will question them on their performance for example their lines of running, decision making etc.

How do you feel the Ulster Academy system compares to other provinces and clubs?
Certainly a big benefit for the Ulster Academy is SINI, with its great support system and facilities.  I have been to the other provincial academies, and plan to visit some of the Welsh regions soon.  Simon Harland and Mike Webb were at Arsenal Football Club recently to see the medical side of their academy.  We also have a link with Natal Sharks, and Neil Doak been out to visit the club.

How do you provide reports to the Ulster Rugby Management?
I am regularly in touch with Mark McCall and Michael Reid.  We have a formal meeting once a fortnight to report on players, with the focus on two players per meeting.  I also prepare a monthly report on the progress of players

In terms of bringing players through, Mark and Michael share information in terms of a positional gap analysis in the Senior Squad.  Then we will look for players in specifically highlighted positions, but if a player is talented enough they will come through.  Ulster players coming through for generations and what the academy system does is speed up the process.

What work does Neil Doak carry out at ‘sub-academy’ level?
Neil works closely with the Regional and youth Development Officers, as well as school teachers and scouts to identify talent. He then works with these players on the technical and tactical aspects of their play. He also provides them with a conditioning program and monitors their progress in both the gym and on the pitch.  

How do you ensure that a late developer in rugby terms is not missed?
We now have a set up to identify club players who have been late developers. Neil Best was the last Ulster player to come through the club rather than the academy route, and now someone like Neil would now be put on the club academy list and get the opportunity to play for the Ulster A team.  Obviously I am keen for teams from Ulster to do well in the All Ireland League.  This is where Academy players get the majority of their games and therefore we need a strong club system.  The Academy players train with their clubs two nights a week, and there is an important partnership between the Academy and clubs in developing the players

Are the Academy players realistic about their chances of progressing on to a development contract with the Ulster Squad?
We stress to players and parents that there is no guarantee of a professional contract.  With regular reviews each player will know how they are progressing and if they are meeting targets. If they continue to progress they will continue being part of the Academy for the next season, and ultimately be in line for recommendation for a development contract with the senior squad. 

The Academy players are realistic in knowing that to be a professional rugby player requires a lot of determination.  We have been massively successful in getting players through on to the senior squad.  Current Academy players Mark McCrea and Niall O’Connor have played for the Ulster Senior side while still in the Academy and in their second year out of school.  It’s great to see these guys play and then to see the likes of Pollock, Marshall and Henry who have moved on to the senior squad. 

What is the Academy players’ routine?
Each of them has a set structure to their week, managed around their individual course timetable.  They all have to attend 3-4 weight sessions a week, a skills session on a Wednesday, club training two nights a week, and then usually a game at the weekend.    They will also have a speed session and an endurance session, as well as talks on issues such as nutrition etc.  It is a very full life and Academy players know that they have to sacrifice a lot with no guarantee of a playing contract at the end. 

We currently have three Academy players studying medicine at QUB, which is a full weekly timetable.  We do our best to work round them, and they will come and do sessions before their lectures start or once they have finished.  Any problems or absences can be flagged up in advance with tutors through the Performance Lifestyle Manager - for example if a student will be away at an age group World Cup.  We have an excellent relationship with both Queen’s and University of Ulster.  All Academy students are based within Ulster this year – we have worked hard to stop the ‘brain drain’ out of Ulster.  The best support structure for the Academy players is here, and the support we can give to players who go to university elsewhere is more limited. 

All players get two weeks off a year.  At the end of the playing season they get a 6-week block of intensive weight training - no running and no rugby.  Some of the players will also be invited to train with the senior squad during pre-season training, whilst others will also take on part-time summer jobs.  The whole group of Academy players get on well.  They all meet up during the summer for training, and we took part in a team building day at army camp this summer. However once term starts they only meet up as a full group for Wednesday skills and any talks. 

As a former player, what sort of advice can you offer the young players?
I know what it takes to play at the top level and know what is expected of a player, and what the senior squad coach will and won’t accept.  I have a good relationship with the Academy players, but obviously I have to keep a certain distance, as I have to make a decision on them regarding progression to the senior squad.