The aim of the Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy is to provide a continuous flow of indigenous rugby talent to perform to Interprovincial, European and International standards. All Academy players must have the ability to play rugby for Ireland and player potential for a place in the programme is assessed under the following areas; skills and positional competence, fitness, tactical and game awareness, and personal attitude.
Phoenix Ulster Academy Players are aged between 18 and 22 years old; however, the identification process of this young talent begins as early as U16/Medallion level through both the Youth and the School systems. There are two types of contract awarded to Academy players. Level 1 is to a player aged approximately 16 - 19 years old, or to a player who is making a positional change. A player on a Level 2 contract is typically aged between 18 and 22 years old, and will receive a degree of financial support, which enables him to combine his studies with the necessary Academy programme without the need for a part-time job.
The Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy is based at Newforge Country Club, where the Ulster Rugby Senior squad train.
Ulster Rugby has named the Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy players' for 2009/10. These players' will be available for Ulster's Magners League games, and will play for the Ulster Ravens in the British and Irish Cup. The Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy is now based at Newforge Country Club, where the Ulster Rugby Senior squad train.
Ulster Rugby's High Performance Director and Academy Manager, ex Ulster and Ireland lock Gary Longwell, commented on the selection: "These players were selected on the basis that they have the potential to play professional rugby. A number of factors including attitude, technical and tactical ability and fitness are considered. The inductees have impressed in the Ulster U20 interprovincial matches, which are viewed as a talent confirmation phase.
"There are no guarantees. Not every player within the Academy system will graduate to professional rugby. However, these young men are the cream of the crop, and the natural progression for them is from the Academy, to a Development contract with Ulster Rugby where they will be training full-time with the Ulster Senior squad. Then on to a full Professional contract. Selection for the Academy is a reward and an opportunity to press a claim for a senior Ulster shirt and contract.
"It is imperative that Ulster Rugby continues to select indigenous players and the role of the Academy is to carry on the excellent work of schools and clubs throughout the province," continued Longwell.
Commenting on their continued sponsorship of the Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy, Simon Little, Phoenix Natural Gas Communications Manager said: "Phoenix are delighted to be involved with both the today and the tomorrow of Ulster Rugby, in terms of supporting future talent through the Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy. We very much value our Academy partnership and look forward to many successful years ahead with Ulster Rugby."
2009/10 Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy
Ian Porter; Patrick McAllister; Chris Cochrane; Jamie Smith; James Sandford; Tommy Seymour; Nevin Spence; Johnny Shiels; Adam Macklin; Sean Dougall; Ricky Andrew; Luke Marshall; Niall Annett; James McKinney; Michael Allen; Michael Heaney; Connor Gaston; Paul Pritchard; John Burns.
Current Ulster Players' who have come through the Ulster Rugby Academy include; Andrew Trimble; Stephen Ferris; Niall O'Connor; Mark McCrea; Chris Henry; Ryan Caldwell; Darren Cave, David Pollock; Paul Marshall; Willie Faloon, Ian Whitten and departed Ulster player Tommy Bowe.
08/09 Academy players; Willie Faloon and Ian Whitten have now received development contracts with Ulster Rugby. Willie Faloon received the accolade of Club Player of the Year at the Magners Ulster Rugby Awards in May, while Ian Whitten has received 2 Irish caps while touring with the Churchill Cup Irish squad. Both players have received Ulster Senior Squad caps in the 08/09 season.
Former Ulster and Ireland lock Gary Longwell is the Ulster Rugby High Performance Manager; this includes overseeing the development of players at Academy level.
Ulster and Ireland past players, Jonathan Bell and Niall Malone, are the Academy's Elite Player Development Officers. Chris Sheills and Kevin Geary are the Strength and Condition coaches. Dr Webb is the Academy doctor.
