The University of Ulster Women's Academy (supported by Ulster Rugby) has now been in full swing for four week. The six players are performing two strength and conditioning and one skills session weekly. The S & C sessions have been gym based and have worked on general body conditioning. Strength tests were performed in the first session and this will be re-tested after an eight week period. The programmes will then change to more sport/position specific gym based programmes. The players have also been fitness tested as part of the Ulster Women's Senior Squad. These tests included functional movement, core strength, leg power, balance, upper body muscular endurance and multi-sprint ability. Testing in these areas will continue throughout the year.

Over the past couple of weeks the Academy members have had the experience of Gary Longwell and Nial Malone, two ex-Ulster and Irish Internationals, taking them through sessions on passing and contact skills. Next week Maurice Field, another ex- Irish International, will be conducting the skills session.

This week the ladies will undergo CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) screening at the UU Clinic.

For more information on the Women's Rugby Academy contact Chris Galway.

Launch Day Photos Here