In another boost for player welfare in the sport, World Rugby has announced the renewal of its partnership with Irish educational institution, Setanta College, which has been providing the governing body with bespoke performance science and coaching content for the past six years. 

In what is an extension of World Rugby’s commitment to boosting participation and further improving player safety, the new three-year partnership will help the federation offer education programmes to support coaches and the broader rugby community.   

For the next phase of the partnership, Setanta College and World Rugby are developing a clear pathway for coaches. This pathway will be structured with appropriate conditioning programmes for children (up to age 12), youths (age 13-16), right through to adult players. Following the completion of this pathway there will be an opportunity for coaches to transition into Setanta College’s broader educational offerings, right up to a masters degree in performance science. 

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont, who is pictured above with Dr Liam Hennessy, founder of Setanta College, said: “Our mission is to grow the game throughout the world but it is also to make sure there is the highest level of player welfare for everyone who touches a rugby ball. Education is a hugely important part of that and that is why we are delighted to have re-signed our agreement with Setanta College in areas of education, strength and conditioning and all these important aspects.”