Benefits of the Scholarship
Coaching Staff
How to apply for a Scholarship
The purpose of the Academy is to provide an environment in which the best young rugby players of their age can develop in terms of strength, power, speed, skill and tactical awareness while studying in pursuit of a University qualification.
University College Dublin Rugby Club is now entering its twelvth year of awarding scholarships for its Academy. Started in 1997 it has made the headlines due to the expansive style of rugby played and by the large number of players gaining representative honours. Over the past six years the Ireland Under 21/20 team has contained 38 members of the Academy and the Under 19’s have had 27, while 80 have gained Under 20/21 Interprovincial honours. Ciaran Scally,Brian O’Driscoll and Rob Kearney gained full international caps while playing for UCD. This season nine graduates of the Academy have Provincial contracts.
The Academy scholarships are designed to allow excellent young rugby players follow both an academic and a rugby career while at UCD. The facilities on campus make it the ideal centre of excellence for the top young players in the country while academic guidance and advice is available when required.
The UCD Bowl has been upgraded with seating for 1,500 spectators and flood lights to top match standards. There are two floodlit training pitches, one grass and one all weather. In addition there are two other match pitches The Sports and Fitness Centre and the High Performance Centre, with their high tech weight training equipment are central to the player’s strength and power development under the direction of full-time strength and conditioning coaches. These facilities along with the first rate coaching and skills development programme and the use of individual video analysis are aimed towards the all round development of the player.
Having won the Second Division of the AIB League in 2001 the 1st XV is now in its eight season in the First Division. The Annual Colours trophy has been won ten times in the last twelve years and the Under 20’s have won the J.P. Fanagan League four times in the last six years.
Benefits of the Scholarship
Free membership of the fitness centre
High performance centre membership
Accomodation
Living Expenses
Payment for books
Free equipment
Free physiotherapy treatment if injured
Academic advice and support
Coaching Staff
| Senior Panel |
| Bobby Byrne |
| Aidan Kenna |
| Gary Coakley |
| Killian Keane |
| Development Panel |
| John McClean |
| Ian Wyse |
| Pete Herrangi |
| Rob Lee |
| Technical Consultants |
| Lee Smith |
| Roly Meates |
| Junior Panel Coaches |
| Graham Jones |
| Rory Timlin |
| David Cowzer |
| Fred Gilligan |
| John Shuttleworth |
| Jon O'Sullivan |
| Fitness & Conditioning Coaches |
| Lisa Regan |
| John Barrie |
| Kyle Wallace |
How To Apply For a Rugby Scholarship
- You should apply separately to the CAO and satisfy the normal academic entry requirements for U.C.D. The Diploma in Sports Management requires direct application to U.C.D. rather than the CAO. Application forms are available from the Centre for Sports Studies, Woodview House, Belfield, Dublin 4. Telephone 01-7163430
- Your CAO form should be completed in such a way that U.C.D. courses figure high on the list of preferences.
- The Rugby Scholarship form should be completed and sent to the Sports Office. The application form should be accompanied by references from your current club, school or representative coach.
- For further information contace John McClean, Director of Rugby UCD, at the UCD Sports Office: john.mcclean@ucd.ie or 01-7162184.