Ballina Rugby.ie

Connacht Rugby Needs Referees – Can you answer the call?

Benefits to becoming a referee:

- Keep fit

- Participation in our great game

- Monthly Workshops and Courses

- New Gear from September 2009

- Games at all levels to cater for your ability with a clear pathway to progress

- Benefit your club financially through the clubs of Ireland Scheme

There is currently a shortfall of referees in domestic rugby within Connacht. On busy weekends during the playing season a significant number of games are not being covered by branch appointed referees simply due to lack of numbers in the Referee Association. The 2009/2010 season promises to have more fixtures than ever at all levels further highlighting the shortfall of referees.

So if you have ever thought of becoming a referee don’t think twice. You are more than welcome to become a member of the Connacht Referee Association and provide a vital service to our great game in Connacht. You do not have to be a member of a rugby club and you don’t even have had to have played rugby. All that is required is a basic level of fitness and availability to referee.

If interested please contact Dave O’Brien on 087-6418340 or by email on dave@cbirfu.com

If coaching is your thing, check out the link below:

It has the answers to all questions regarding the IRFU coaching structure.

http://www.irishrugby.ie/7677_474.php

Gavin Duffy is set to captain Connacht for the first time on Friday night, when his side take on Ulster in the Magners League at Ravenhill (kick off: 7.30pm).

This is a great achievement for the Ballina man and highlights his importance to the Connacht setup.

Well done Gavin from all at Ballina Rugby Club.

Some photos from the recent Connaught vs Leinster match at the Sportsground on Sunday Oct 5th 2008.

Connaught’s outstanding victory was enjoyed by the Ballina Under 10′s team who performed a guard of honour for the two teams when emerging out of the tunnel and did a lap of honour around the pitch pre match followed by a half time match which was enjoyed by all.

Click on Image for more photos.

Ballina Under 10′s at Connacht v Leinster

Summer is here and that can only means 2 things; its time to start preparing for next season and some people play Tag Rugby. A schedule of pre-season training sessions has been drawn up, these will initially be held on Wednesday evenings at 8.00pm, for June/July, with sessions being taken by a range of guest/celebrity trainers, then the usual Wednesday & Friday routine from August onwards, (when the new coach arrives).

Start times mean on the pitch ready to go.

Pre-season training is recommended for all club members over 18 years but also anyone new to the club who is interested in getting involved whether they have previous rugby experience or not. Bigger numbers at training makes for better sessions and more fun, so drag someone else along with you when you are coming down. Of course other training/exercise such as pre-season weights is recommended. If you are not sure what else you should be doing check with the management at one of the sessions.

There are also a fitness test on 29/7/08 Venue: Ballina Stephenites @ 7.30pm and pre-season friendlies to take note of and a list of contact details for “the management”. Keep an eye on the site as any changes to the schedule will be updated .

Clive Moore 0876563238: Michael Honan 0876899260: Brian west 0879746996

Shane Loftus 0864065712: Ivan Heffernan 0866013244

Congrats to Gavin Duffy on being selected for the 30 Man Irish Squad for the World Cup.

Gavin a Ballina native played in both tests against Argentina over the summer and started the pre world cup friendly V Scotland in Edinburgh before going off with a minor hip injury.

The Ireland squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup is as follows: