In the not too distant past Ulster Rugby suffered from the migration of school leavers to the UK mainland coupled with an inadequate elite development programme for talented young rugby players.

The Sports Institute of Northern Ireland in partnership with Ulster Rugby serves as a major partner in creating a vibrant elite rugby pathway specifically focused on the development of excellence, so that in the long term there is a continuous flow of indigenous rugby talent onto the European and International arena.

Currently players benefit from expert services in Technical & Tactical Coaching, Strength & Conditioning, Sports Medicine & Sports Science and Performance Lifestyle advice. The goal for all players in the Ulster Rugby / SINI rugby squad is excellence in rugby but also in career and education. As a result there has been a significant reduction in the numbers of school leavers migrating our shores. Indeed the trend has been reversed through key players transferring from 3rd level education establishments in England and Scotland to Ulster universities. These players are sending out a clear message to all aspiring players that their development is best managed at home.
 
The Ulster Rugby Academy and the Sports Institute of Northern Ireland are committed to providing the best to ensure young talent is fostered, nurtured, developed and fast tracked into the senior playing ranks. There are no guarantees - to achieve and realise one’s potential requires dedication and discipline - but to the successful the rewards are intangible.