irupa in touch january 2012

The Big Leinster Cook Off

IN TOUCHPROTECTING YOUR WELFARE, SECURING YOUR FUTURE

JAN 2012 VOLUME 18

PROTECTING YOUR WELFARE, SECURING YOUR FUTURE

CONOR MURRAY INTERVIEW

Player Services Programme Update

The Full Back

HEN019 IRUPA Mag FP.indd 1 18/11/2011 14:16

CONTENTS

CEO ReportIRUPA CEO Omar Hassanein

IRUPA NewsThe most recent developments relating to IRUPA members & the world of rugby

Conor MurrayInterview with Conor Murray

Player’s Services Programme Update

The Great Leinster Cookoff

Liam Toland & Peter McKenna

IRUPA Information & Directory

5

7

10

14

20

25

Irish Rugby Union Payers Association, 66 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2, IrelandTel: +353 1 676 9680Web: www.irupa.ie

Published by: Clearpoint Media Ltd. on behalf of IRUPA. All rightsreserved. Reproduction by any means in whole or in part withoutpermission of the publisher is prohibited. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this magazine is correct at the time of print, the publishers and IRUPA accept no responsibility whatsoever for any inaccuracies that may occur. All imagery copyright Sportsfile 2011

Clearpoint Media Ltd.1st Floor 24a Newtown Park Blackrock Co. Dublin Tel: 01-2056700E-mail: [email protected] www.clearpointmedia.ie

22

CONTENTS

3

The Full Back

HEN019 IRUPA Mag FP.indd 1 18/11/2011 14:16

O2-7583 PTN Rugby Press Ad.indd 1 12/1/11 5:03 PM

Welcome to the January edition of In Touch magazine. The 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign proved to be a busy and eventful time for national squad members, kicking off in July with a rigorous summer training camp and culminating in a heartbreaking loss to Wales in the October quarter final stages. All players involved should be truly proud of their achievements in representing Irish rugby on the world stage; with the highlight no doubt being the historic victory over Australia in the pool stages.

Off the field, the second half of 2011 has also been a busy time from a players’ association perspective. In July, the IRUPA Board met for a strategic planning day, setting the general tone of our approach and also identifying the specific goals we seek to accomplish over the next 12 months. The majority of our discussion centred on improving relationships with the games administrators, and upon assessment six months later we feel we’ve been able to take significant steps forward already. One of our first tasks during the off-season was to successfully renegotiate our income protection insurance offering to players, assisted once again by Arachas Insurance. This has also kept us busy on an ongoing basis with a number of claims requiring ongoing management and assistance. From a player advocacy point of view, the association has been in discussion

with the IRFU on a number of collective agreements, which would now seem to be in the final stages of negotiation. IRUPA encourages its members to understand the issues and to channel any questions or comments they may have to their local provincial representatives or to the IRUPA offices directly.

Aside from our ongoing negotiations, we’ve also been in discussion with the IRFU and provinces about creating and expanding programmes that add significant benefit to all stakeholders in the sport. Some of these include the much needed expansion of the Player Services Program, as well as the introduction of an Agent Accreditation scheme to be rolled out in 2012. These initiatives will unquestionably add value to players, as well as being of benefit to agents, administrators and team management groups throughout the country. From a medical perspective, IRUPA commends the IRFU on forming a new Medical Advisory Committee (MAC), aimed at improving medical conditions for Irish professionals at both national and provincial levels. The IRUPA Board recently appointed former international player Niall Hogan as its Player Medical Advisor, with part of his role to sit on the committee and act as the players’ voice on all medical related matters. Niall has also made himself available to players who need direction on how to manage various medical issues.

All in all, we are doing everything we can to build the organisation and strive towards improved working conditions for players. From a player interaction point of view, we are continually trying to increase our presence around the provinces, so we encourage you to approach us informally and discuss matters relating to your employment.

I’d like to conclude the year by thanking the ongoing efforts of a few people, not the least of which being our provincial Board members: Shane Jennings, Paul O’Connell, Gavin Duffy and Rory Best. I’d also particularly like to extend my gratitude to IRUPA’s Chairman Brian O’Driscoll who has been incredibly engaged on all issues despite having a tough personal injury to deal with in recent times. As a final acknowledgement, I’d like to thank my fellow staff members Hamish Adams and Sara Jane English, who continue to maintain a strong passion in promoting player welfare.

Omar HassaneinChief Executive

CEO REPORT

JAN 2012

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IRUPA NEWS 7

IRUPA Induction DaysThis season the Player Services Programme initiated ‘Induction Seminars’ to facilitate introductions and information on insurance, pensions and tax. This was the first year of the workshops and we had fantastic turnouts in all the Provinces, going forward these workshops will target those new to the professional game in key off pitch areas.

Many thanks to Ciaran Medlar, Alan Miller, Paul Cassidy and EAP Consultants who facilitated these sessions. Please find their contact details below. Please note as discussed in the workshops that the IRFU Aon Permanent Total Disability policy scheduled in your IRFU contract is a ‘specific’ injury policy and does not cover all injuries especially those arising from degenerative injuries.

Important Contacts IRUPA Member Helpline 0808 234 5183 Northern Ireland IRUPA Member Helpline 1800 201 346 Republic of Ireland Ciaran Medlar, BDO Accountancy Dublin, E: [email protected], M: 087 244 8388 Paul Cassidy, Aon Pensions, E: [email protected] M: 086 807 6791 Fiona Neill BDO Belfast E: [email protected] T: 02890 677 321 Desmond McLarnon BDO Belfast E: [email protected] M: 078 6753 4835 Alan Miller, Arachas Insurance E: [email protected] M: 00353 87 649 4095

Agent Accreditation

IRUPA will be kept busy in the first half of 2012, with the rollout of an Irish Rugby Agent Accreditation scheme. The market has been crying out for a system of regulation for years now, with the primary objectives being to not only regulate Agents activity in the marketplace, but also to educate and update Agents on the changing dynamics of Irish rugby player contracting. Most other Tier One rugby nations have had schemes in place for some years now, with the results proving incredibly positive in all contracting environments around the globe. Just some of the benefits that the new Agent Accreditation Scheme in Ireland will bring:

• Streamlining contracting processes between Contracting Managers and Agents;

• ‘Raising the Bar’ with respect to overall expectations of Agents;

• Providing the Agents with updated and specific knowledge of Irish contracting models and systems; and

• Ultimately allowing players to focus on their rugby in the knowledge that they are well represented.

The scheme which is set to be driven by IRUPA has been give a strong vote of support by the IRFU and all the four provinces. All of these stakeholders will play a key role in the start-up and ongoing success of the scheme. In addition to the various administrators around the country, many of the Agents currently operating in Ireland have been informally engaged this far and will be formally engaged in the new year to provide input.

The scheme is set to be launched at latest by the midway point of next year.

JAN 2012

IRUPA teams up with Boardmatch.ieIRUPA is delighted to be associated with Boardmatch Ireland which supports the development of the community and voluntary sector (the not-for-profit sector) by strengthening boards and management committees. Boardmatch Ireland provides a free confidential service where IRUPA members can register their interest in volunteering on not-for-profit boards. You are then matched, based on location, skills and preferred area of interest, to not-for-profit organizations, giving you the opportunity to volunteer time, energy and skills to the not-for-profit sector at a board level. So why volunteer?

Membership of a not-for-profit board individuals can:

• Contribute to the development of a stronger civil society and stronger communities.

• Contribute to the achievement of an organisation’s aims.• Enhance your personal and professional development.• Express a practical passion for a cause.• Transfer your skills to other sections of society.• Strengthen your leadership skills.• Develop new networks.

If you’re interested in gaining valuable experience by volunteering your time with a non for profit organization, please contact your PSA, Hamish Adams on +353 86 350 2552 or email: [email protected]

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Contact: Alan MillerTel: 021 427 0505, Mobile: 087 649 4095 Email: [email protected]

9, Eastgate Business Park, Little Island, Cork.

RUGBY JUST GOT MORE DIRECT

RaboDirectPRO12.com

Niall Hogan to represent IRUPA on the IRFU Medical CommitteeNiall Hogan has been appointed to represent IRUPA and its members on the IRFU Medical Committee. An orthopaedic consultant, Niall has a wealth of experience both in the medical arena and also as a former player. Niall graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin in 1995 and had the honour of being presented with his medical degree in Johannesburg at the 2005 Rugby World Cup.

After undertaking a postgraduate degree in Oxford University and playing his club rugby there, he then turned his attention to playing professional rugby in the UK for two years. He returned to Ireland and entered the Higher Surgical Training Scheme in Orthopaedics.

Niall received a Fellowship in Australia in 2006 from the North Sydney Orthopaedic & Sports Medical Centre. He returned home in 2007 works as an orthopaedic consultant in St James Hospital, Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Mount Carmel Hospital and the Sports Surgery Clinic.

Niall combines his extensive medical experience with vast on field experience, giving him a much specialised insight into professional rugby and player welfare. He began his rugby career at Terenure College and Club and played for Oxford University before playing pro rugby with London Irish. He played has Heineken Cup with Leinster and has captained Ireland at every level from schools through to senior level, he has 13 caps for Ireland and was awarded the Irish captaincy in 1996.

IRUPA Chief Executive Omar Hassanein commented “IRUPA are delighted that Niall will represent our members, combining his wealth of knowledge in the medical arena with his innate understanding of players needs and demands. His dedicated role in promoting player medical issues will be a huge addition to our overall player welfare offering”

Niall himself commented “I’m delighted to join IRUPA to act as an advocate for the members; I want to ensure that the welfare of players is observed first and foremost and I’m looking forward to the role”.

“IRUPA are delighted that Niall will represent our members, combining his wealth of knowledge in the medical arena with his innate understanding of players needs and demands. His dedicated role in promoting player medical issues will be a huge addition to our overall player welfare offering”

IRUPA NEWS 9JAN 2012

CONOR MURRAYINTERVIEW

Declan Cusack

interviews his

housemate & Munster

team mate Conor

Murray on his World

Cup selection and

personal opinions of

team members. The two

Garryowen clubmen

are both thriving in

professional rugby and

Declan is considering

journalism as a career

after rugby?

Let’s see how they go.

Q.What would be earliest sporting memories?

C. Murray: Going to hurling training in the back of my friends car with about 6 of us packed in the back!

Q. Where did you start playing and what clubs have you played for?

C. Murray: I played with my school (St Munchin’s Collage) first, then young Munster then onto Garryowen.

Q. Have u any brains in that big head or you just all beauty?

C. Murray: Ha, well living with you brings down my intelligence levels but I’m still in college part time so that keeps the brain active, I hope!

Q. What was your initial reaction to being selected in the World Cup squad?

C. Murray: Delight, couldn’t really believe it, you remember, you were next door with your ear to the wall when I got the call and came running in.

Q. 2 months without you nagging me I was happier than you. What were the most memorable moments off the pitch in new Zealand?

C. Murray: All the bungee jumps and the good buzz around the squad, everyone got on really well.

By Declan Cusack.

10

“ Delight, couldn’t really believe it, you remember, you were next door with your ear to the wall when I got the call and came running in. ”

JAN 2012

11

Q. Is there anyone you would avoid or plead to room with?

C. Murray: I’d avoid rooming with Paulie, all his rotten casual clothes around the place would be quite off-putting.

Q. How does feel to play with the more experienced players that you’ve watched from a young age?

C. Murray: Ya, it was amazing, in a weird way. It made me more relaxed to have all that experience around me, you knew they would make the right decisions and back you also when you made a decision.

Q. Let’s try some quick fire question about the Munster squad.

Quickest: Jonsie or Earlsie - still debate over that.Slowest: Paddy ButlerBest Dancer: Paddy butler without a doubt, live with him and he never stopsWorst Taste in Music: Troy Smith, mellow kiwi brahWorst dress Sense: same as roomie questionStrongest: Dave ‘killer’ Kilcoyne - he never stops telling me he isPerson to Avoid: Mike Sherry, he’s a bullyMost Intelligent: Johne MurphyLeast Intelligent: Earlsie - bimbo

Q. Your career has really taking off over the last few months, you seemed to have taking it all in your stride, how have you kept your feet on the ground?

C. Murray: Housemates, in yer own special way ye keep me grounded, in a nice way of course!

CONOR MURRAY 11

Tune in next time to see if Paulie has improved his dress sense or will we need to call Paul Galvin?

(Note: IRUPA take no responsibility for the content of this interview, please don’t sue us!)

“Ya, it was amazing, in a weird way. It made me more relaxed to have all that experience around me, you knew they would make the right decisions and back you also when you made a decision. “

JAN 2012

Career Consultants Career Management and Outplacement Consultants

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PLAYER SERVICES PROGRAMME UPDATE

In this edition of In Touch we look back in time and meet two recently retired professional players Adam Larkin and Stephen Knoop. We encourage all our current playing members to engage with past players and discuss their personal experiences of their transition away from playing.

The wealth of knowledge past players can offer you is immense as they too have faced similar challenges to you.

Please contact me if you wish to discuss any aspects of these articles.

Hamish is an accredited Professional Member of the Irish Institute of Sport designated to deliver Lifestyle Support Services. If you would like to avail of the IRUPA Player Services Programme, please contact Hamish in the strictest confidence.

Hamish AdamsPlayer Services AdvisorIRUPAMobile +353 86 3502552Email: [email protected]: www.irupa.ieSkype: hamishadams

14 JAN 2012

Australian born but reared in New Zealand, Adam is quick to point out that he is a rugby world champion to clarify where his allegiance lies! Adam left NZ shores back in 1998 after completing two seasons with North Harbour in the NPC Championship, heading to Bristol for two seasons and then to Castres in France for another two seasons before arriving in Ulster, the birthplace of his Grandmother, in 2001. Adam retired midway through the 2007/08 season with Ulster having won both the 2005-2006 Celtic League and 2003-2004 Celtic Cup during his time with the province.

Adam now works as a Town Planning Consultant in a private practice based in Belfast and details how prior to being recruited into fulltime professional rugby in 1998 he developed his career.

“I graduated from the University of Auckland in New Zealand in 1995 with a first class honours degree in Planning. Following graduation I worked as a Development Planner for my local district council, North Shore City. This post was a great starting point for me”.

Throughout his playing career Adam has always kept one eye firmly on developing a career away from rugby. He believes that experience in the workplace prior to being a fulltime rugby player was a success for him.

“In 2004 whilst still contracted with Ulster I entered into private practice in Belfast. This was a great outlet for me away from rugby and I would encourage all players to do so”.

Outside of work Adam tries to squeeze in the role of husband, father and head rugby coach to Belfast Harlequins 1st and 2nd rugby XV’s. In addition to this, if he is fortunate he may on occasion sneak in a few hours of sleep at night and very occasionally actually get to eat dinner at the dining table with the rest of the family.

Adam’s passion for rugby is very evident and we wish him well for the future.

Adam Larkin

“I graduated from the University of Auckland in New Zealand in 1995

with a first class honours degree in Planning.

Following graduation I worked as a Development

Planner for my local district council, North Shore City. This post

was a great starting point for me”.

“In 2004 whilst still contracted with Ulster I entered into private practice in Belfast. This was a great outlet for me away from rugby and I would encourage all players to do so”.

15

Stephen joined Connacht in 2004 from University of Cape Town and made such a significant impression with his work ethic and scrummaging ability that Munster offered him a two year Contract after his 1st season. Stephen however decided to stay with Connacht for another two seasons until he transferred to Leinster in 2007 on a two-year deal.

Despite being offered a Contract from London-Irish, Stephen returned home after 5 years in Ireland.

In 2010 he joined the In-Site Athlete Management team in Cape Town where he is involved in identifying young talent and assisting rugby players in the management of their careers. Stephen manages players based in South Africa and Europe. In his spare time he is the Forward’s Coach for the South African University Champions (University of Cape Town) and a rugby commentator with SuperSport for French Top 14 and Currie Cup Rugby.

Stephen still has strong links to Ireland with his wife being from Dublin and he hopes to attend the Stephen’s Day match in the RDS between Leinster and Ulster.

‘Playing rugby in Ireland was an amazing experience. The people were great, so hospitable and generous. Loyal, diehard fans and great teammates made for some good times both on and off field. I wish I could have stayed on longer in Ireland but that’s rugby!

Cape Town is home for now but would love to return to Ireland if the opportunity presented itself.’

Stephen obtained a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Economics) from the University of Cape Town and a post-graduate Diploma in Marketing Management, before going on to play professional rugby in Europe.

“Having the studies completed has certainly been an advantage to me in moving back into the workplace. Like many ex players I really enjoyed my time as a professional but also look back and identify that I could have done more in terms of professional development”.

As an ex professional Stephen is quick to identify the potential pitfalls of a career in rugby and highlights the need for expert advice.

Stephen Knoop

“Having the studies completed has certainly been an advantage to me in moving back into the workplace. Like many ex players I really enjoyed my time as a professional

but also look back and identify that I could have done more in terms of professional

development”.

JAN 2012

JAN 2012

SEAN O’BRIEN SUPPORTS IRISH SPORTS ROLE IN ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Leinster & Ireland back row Sean O’Brien joined forces with leading Irish Sportsmen and women to support the

IrishSports Federation Initiative

In a meeting between the government and governing bodies, Irish Sport highlighted the potential of sport in rebuilding confidence and the economy. The delegation asked the government to give governing bodies a greater say in sports funding and to think creatively around new ways of funding.

Irish Sport believes it can have a major role to play in the rebuilding both the nation’s confidence and also the economy. A delegation representing the governing bodies of the 74 National Sports Governing Bodies in Ireland met with Mr Leo Varadkar TD , Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and Mr Michael Ring TD, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, to present the case for Sport as a catalyst in restoring the country’s good name and also its finances.

The delegation called on the government to work more closely with those involved in sport to examine the many different ways in which they believe sport can make a real difference. Earlier in the day a number of the country’s leading sports personalities launched a document which outlines the positive impact sport already makes on the country.

The 74 NGBs which include the FAI, GAA, IRFU, GUI, Olympic Council of Ireland and the Federation of Irish Sport were represented by a delegation consisting of Mr Paraic Duffy, GAA; Mr John Delaney, FAI; Mr Philip Browne, IRFU; Ms Sarah Keane, Swim Ireland; Mr Fergus Murphy, Chairman Federation of Irish Sport and Ms Sarah O’Connor, CEO of the Federation.

The meeting with the Ministers comes against a background which has seen sport’s funding cut for the past two years and with further cuts already indicated for the next three years. Currently the total figure (2011) invested in Sport is €86.4 million which includes €46.7 million distributed to the various sports through the Irish Sports Council. The balance in the main consists of capital funding to meet grant commitments made in previous years. This figure contrasts with the 2008 high €141.83 million.

They noted that over 38,000 people are employed in the sports industry in Ireland whilst Irish households consume some €1.9 BILLION in sports related products annually.In 2009 and 2010 Irish Sport made representations to government pointing out the damaging impact that cutting funds has in the long term. As Sarah O’Connor CEO of the Federation has pointed out:

“The impact of significant reductions in the Irish Sports Council’s grants to sport will not just be felt immediately but will have a significant impact on the medium and long term development of Irish Sport. It is fair to say that Irish Sport would not be enjoying the kind of successes we have enjoyed today both through our teams and individuals without the taxpayers investment. This year alone, one year out from London 2012, Irish sportsmen and women have won 56 medals at major championships all over the world. In 2007, the year before the Beijing Olympics, this figure was 19.”

In their presentation to government the delegation made the point that they all believed that sport if properly supported could do a great deal more for the country than it even does currently.

“Our vision is an Ireland where sport is allowed realise its full potential. We believe the government should support that view, embrace it and help us achieve it. Sport wants to be part of the re-building of Ireland and the Irish economy. As a priority we want the government to bring together all of the key players in Irish sport with a view to developing a Masterplan and a real Vision for Irish Sport for the next 5 years.” “We would see that master plan encompassing sports tourism both at home and abroad, sport and its impact on health ( with real savings to be made in the health budget) and sport as an image builder to re-build our image worldwide. We fully acknowledge that good work is being done in these areas but our point is that it could be so much better if there was more joined up thinking and more inter-action with the sports community. The day should be long gone when people ‘think’ they know what’s good for sport. Sport knows best where the best long term return is to be had from any investment”

“Our vision is an Ireland where sport is allowed realise its full potential. We believe the government should support that view, embrace it and help us achieve it. Sport wants to be part of the re-building of Ireland and the Irish economy. As a priority we want the government to bring together all of the key players in Irish sport with a view to developing a Masterplan and a real Vision for Irish Sport for the next 5 years.”

This document can be downloaded at www.irishsport.ie

Above photo: Showing copies of the Federation of Irish Sport’s submission to the Government are, from left: High jumper Deirdre Ryan; rugby player Sean O’Brien; swimmer Grainne Murphy, Dublin footballer Bernard Brogan; Bohemians soccer star Owen Heary and Tipp hurler Lar Corbett. Picture: Sportsfile

17

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To date we have worked with five players in the Republic of Ireland and we are happy to report that we have had 100% success in helping each one to find suitable employment.

Our approach is to provide guidance and motivation in helping each player to source new opportunities.

We help players review their career and experience to date, identify their achievements, build a strong CV and build on their personal brand.

We also provide direction on how to network effectively and the different ways of sourcing job opportunities.

Players are given tips and techniques for interviews and information on the different styles and types of interviews. We conduct mock interviews and we give detailed feedback and suggestions on areas that need more focus.

A broad range of psychometric assessments is offered, helping players to identify areas of interest and suitability.

Career Consultants is part of the Cpl Group and as a result we can leverage from a wealth of local market knowledge from our regional offices.

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If would like to avail of the services of Career Consultants, contact Hamish Adams for further details.

A typical transition programme which is covered in one-to-one consultations include the following:

CAREER CONSULTANTS JAN 2012 19

CV Preparation and Self-Marketing

• Personal and work related values• Experienced and skills• Achievements• Building a profile• Unique Selling Points • Creating a strong, achievements - focussed CV

Interview and Negotiating

• Different interviewing styles• How to manage a “competency based” interview• Preparing for Interview • Handling salary negotiations

Market Outlook

• General and Regional market outlook• Opportunities to Target

Sourcing Opportunities

• Tapping into the Hidden Job Market• Job Search – Proactive vs. Reactive • Job Advertisements• How to get the best from Recruitment Firms• Introduction to Recruiters • Networking

The Great Leinster Cook OffDevin Toner v Jack McGrath

There’s been a lot of bragging on Twitter as to who is the best chef, so we’ve put them to the test, in the blue corner with Lamb Feta Burgers and Salmon Nicoise is Devin Toner. He faces Jack McGrath’s homemade lasagne and bruschetta.

Wooden Spoons at the ready!

Head to Head

Devin Toner’s Lamb Feta Burgers with Mint Aioli

Burgers (makes 4)

500g minced lamb1 packet of crumbled feta cheese1/2 diced red onion3 minced garlic cloves2 tsp oreganosalt and pepper

In a bowl combine the lamb, feta cheese, red onion, garlic and oregano. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and mix well with your hands. Form the mixture into 4 large patties (they shrink during the cooking). Cover with clingfilm and put in the fridge until ready to grill. When ready to cook place the burgers under a hot grill for approx. 5 minutes each side or until done. Serve on a wholewheat bun with a dollop of the mint aioli (recipe below) and salad, with sweet potato fries on the side.

Mint aioli

1 egg yolk 1 tbs fresh lemon juice 2 garlic cloves, crushed 3 tsp Dijon mustard 160ml (2/3 cup) olive oil handful loosely packed fresh mint leaves 1 tbs warm water Pinch of salt

The easiest method is to use a food processor but if you don’t have one use a medium bowl and a whisk. Place the egg yolk, lemon juice, garlic and mustard in the bowl of the food processor and process until combined. With the motor running, gradually add the oil in a thin steady stream until the mixture is thick and pale. Add the mint and water and process until well combined. Taste and season with salt, transfer to a serving bowl, cover with clingfilm and put in fridge until ready to use.

20 JAN 2012RECIPES

Jack McGrath’s Lasagne & Bruschetta Olive oil800g Lean mince beef (quorn)Large onion, pepper, chilli, garlicBasil oregano (fresh if available)Tin chopped tomatoes575g jar of tomato based pasta sauce 450g tin of tomato soupCup of grated low fat chedder

Preheat oven to 170 C (325F) put some olive oil in wok and add mince and cook until brown. Chop onion, pepper, chilli, finely and add to wok along with crushed garlic. Add tin tomatoes pasta sauce herbs and simmer.

Spray lasagne dish with olive oil and make the lasagne in layers starting with a layer of pasta followed by layer of sauce. Finish with a layer of pasta and pour tin of tomato soup over the top and finish with a layer of grated cheese.Bake in oven for 25-30 minutes. Serve with homemade bruschetta and salad

Homemade Bruschetta

Fresh TomatoesOlive OilFresh BasilCiabattaGarlic

To make the bruschetta. Chop tomatoes into small cubes and add olive oil and chopped fresh basil. Cover some ciabatta bread with olive oil and crushed garlic and cook in oven or under grill until brown. Cover with tomatoes mix and serve.

Devin’s Salmon Salad NicoiseServes 4

4 portions of salmon8 new potatoes4 eggs100g green beans, trimmed4 little gem lettuce heads, quartered and separatedhandful baby tomatoes1 red onion, peeled and finely sliced1 tin anchoviesfresh basil leaves, torn

Marinade

100ml extra virgin olive oil3 tbsp red wine vinegarhandful of chopped flat-leaf parsley2 tbsp chopped fresh chives2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped

1. To make the marinade, place all the ingredients into a bowl and whisk to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste.

2. Place the salmon in a shallow dish and pour over half the marinade. Cover with clingfilm and chill for 1-2 hours, turning every 30 minutes or so.3. Boil the potatoes in a pot with salted water for around 10-12 minutes or until tender. Drain and leave to cool completely, then cut into quarters.

4. Hard boil the eggs, remove the shells and cut into quarters. Plunge the green beans into a pan of boiling salted water for approx. 2 minutes, then drain and refresh under cold running water.

5. Remove the salmon from the marinade shaking off any excess and set any remaining marinade aside. Cook the salmon under the grill until quite firm to the touch.

6. In a large salad bowl add the lettuce leaves, potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, onion, eggs and anchovies. Pour over the remaining marinade and toss until well coated.

7. Serve with salad on the plate with salmon on top, with torn basil leaves scattered on top.

21JAN 2012

“Operating a business in this current climate is certainly difficult and challenging but it also has many similarities to playing professional rugby.

The personal motivation to be successful and also working as part of a larger team to achieve an end

goal are very similar to professional rugby”.

JAN 201222

IN THE BEGINNING....

It’s more than ten year

since Liam Toland and

Peter McKenna were

appointed as IRUPA’s

first Chief Executive and

Secretary respectively,

we catch up with what

they’re doing now and

get their views on life

after rugby, how the

game has changed and

the challenges facing

professional rugby

players today.

Liam is still passionate about rugby and when not playing for Old Crescent thirds the Limerick native is commentating on the game in the media.“Having grown up in Limerick, rugby is in my blood. I still enjoy running out with friends at Old Crescent and enjoying the craic afterwards. It really is very hard to replicate that bond you develop on and off the pitch with team mates. I think that is one of the hardest adjustments to make when you retire from professional rugby”.

Liam certainly empathises with the current professional group in their career transition challenge. The bleak economic forecast in Ireland for the next few years means jobs will be at a premium and skill

development is key.“Even in the early IRUPA days we were always conscious of the need for individual support for players coming off contracts and I am pleased to see the organisation has addressed this”.We wish Liam well with his business and appreciate his kind offer of being available to offer advice to anyone finishing their rugby career.

Liam Toland

“Even in the early IRUPA days we were always conscious of the need for individual support for players coming off contracts and I am pleased to see the organisation has addressed this”.

In October 2001 the country’s professional rugby players set up the Irish Rugby Union Players’ Association. Leinster’s Liam Toland was elected Chairman and he became directly responsible for driving the association in its early days and getting the players collective voice heard.

So ten years on from the formation of IRUPA where is Liam now?After combining much of his rugby career with a military career as an officer in the Irish Defence Forces, Liam ventured into business three years ago.Linking up with his ex-manager from Lansdowne RFC, Mick Kearney who owns the Irish master franchise for Home Instead Senior Care. Liam has taken on the Limerick franchise of the business and operates from his office in Steamboat Quay opposite the Clarion Hotel. “Operating a business in this current climate is certainly difficult and challenging but it also has many similarities to playing professional rugby. The personal motivation to be successful and also working as part of a larger team to achieve an end goal are very similar to professional rugby”.

23JAN 2012

Tell us about your early days growing up and playing rugby?

I played for CBC Monkstown which at the time meant that I played one competitive school’s cup game every year! I then progressed through the Leinster provincial system - school’s, U19’s, 21’s, Senior XV, and then Ireland. I think I have the honour of being the last part-time player to play for Ireland before I and the game went fully professional.

How did you go juggling your legal studies with rugby?

It was tough. The game is now even more demanding on players in relation to preparation for seasons and individual matches but even when I was playing professionally back in 2003 I found the time demands difficult to handle. It took a certain amount of discipline, sacrifice, and winging it come exam time! I remember travelling to play Munster on the Saturday, doing my best to study on the way down but ended up playing poker instead, and having a big exam on the Monday morning still feeling sore from the game. How I managed to pass?? Certainly having the players advisory service in place now is of huge benefit to the players because its difficult to prepare for life after rugby whilst trying to stay focused on rugby and play at your optimum. It’s a tricky one to get right and I would strongly urge all players to utilise the player advisory service as it will help you to determine for yourself the career you have when the professional rugby job ends, otherwise you are leaving it up to chance.

Tell us about your involvement with IRUPA and why you developed a passion for collective player representation?

It started off as a group conversation at the back of the bus on the way home from a Heineken cup game, as all good ideas do. It took off from there. Other countries were putting in place a representative body so why not us? The players immediately bought into it and a committee of players from the 4 provinces was formed. Seeing the way Keith Wood had been badly treated a couple of years before when he looked to protect his intellectual property rights greatly concerned me and demonstrated the need for collective representation rather than an individual looking to take on the IRFU alone. Two voices are louder than one; three voices are louder than two, and so on. IRUPA has been a fantastic success in relation to the protection and enforcement of players’ rights and I am very proud to have been involved in my own small way.

Tell us primarily what McKenna Durcan do and how they can be of assistance to players.

A year after retiring from professional rugby I qualified as a solicitor. A year later again I set up my own firm McKenna Durcan with my business partner, Maresa Durcan. We are primarily a commercial law firm advising businesses, and individuals looking to start a business. We also act for the directors and employees of companies in their own personal legal matters such as the buying and selling of property, Wills, personal injury claims etc. As a former professional player, and having been involved in negotiating the current player contract with the IRFU, I am very aware of the issues that affect professional rugby players. I was also involved in setting up my own business and I have provided legal advice to countless others who have set up their own companies in many different business sectors. If nothing else, I hope that I can be of assistance to any player who needs a bit of guidance on helping make a business idea into a reality.

So, do you keep in contact with old team mates? I do and I act for some of them too. It’s amazing to see where everyone’s career has taken them after professional rugby. Some stayed within the game, some didn’t stray too far from it and a lot went in a whole different direction. It’s interesting though that most of the ex-players I have talked to formed the idea of what they are doing now whilst they were still playing, especially in the last year or so of their career. Business life in Ireland is all about networking and I believe that the connections and relationships you form during your playing career can be of massive benefit when you retire, if you so choose. Ex-professional players all share a common experience and I found doors opened and business connections made as a result of past players helping each other, which is a great business advantage in these tough economic times.

Any comments on the modern game today and it’s challenges for the players?

The game I played really bears no resemblance to today’s to be honest. It’s faster now, more physical and the skill levels today are stratospheres above where we were 8 years ago. The players also have to contend with the scrutiny of social media such as twitter and facebook which we managed to escape. I look on in envy at the type of game being played now but I also think that acclimatising to life after rugby must be getting tougher. Through no fault of their own, players are kept in a bubble where everything is about them and resources are directed to ensure the player’s optimum performance on the weekend. Working life is very different. You are expected to do a job and how you manage to achieve that is up to you. It’s very much hands-off. I personally found that a tough mindset and attitude to adjust to. It doesn’t help the current players that the Irish employment market is suffering and becoming more cutthroat.

What are the biggest issues confronting players today?

I can only speculate on the playing issues affecting the players today as I don’t think you truly appreciate what they are unless you are living and breathing the game as part of your daily life. Also, the issues affecting a player in the early part of his career are very different to those of a player in his later years. That said, I believe preparing for life after rugby whilst giving everything to your performance today is the greatest challenge facing any player.

Pete McKenna Q&A Time

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25KEEP IN TOUCH

IRU

PA

BU

SIN

ES

S

NE

TW

OR

K

All business will be listed on the member’s only section of www.irupa.ie Current Companies are:

GARBEAUMade to measure shirtsContact: Mike McCarthyM: +353 86 8511513www.garbeau.eu ROSARIO BIOENERGYAyacucho 1708, Rosario, ArgentinaContact Federico Pucciariello +353 87 050 9318Email: [email protected]

FRONT ROWGuest Speaking and Celebrity Sourcing, Sports Management and Sponsorship Matching,Team Development and MotivationContact: Frankie SheahanMobile +353 878337080 Email: [email protected] www.frontrow.ie TREVOR BRENNAN RUGBY TOURSRugby tour packages including 6 Nations, Rugby World Cup, Heineken Cup and more.Contact: Mark PinsentPhone: 1890 200 095 or 353 1 4572311Email: [email protected]

If you would like your business to be included please contact Hamish Adams on +353 86 350 2552 or email: [email protected] www.irupa.ie

Many of our members may be involved in a business venture, have set up their own companies or planning to do so in the near future. We hope to develop a business network for our members current and past to allow them to share information and contacts. The principle aim is to create a database of member’s with business interests and make this information available through In Touch and the member only section of the IRUPA website.

In this current economic environment, this network will further allow sharing of best practise and information as well as creating a network to open business opportunities to all our members and beyond. It is also hoped that the network will be beneficial to players planning their transition from rugby through work experience, mentoring and career advice.

IRELAND’S NUMBER ONE JUNIOR SOCCER PULLOUT

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Setanta College is a Thurles based on-line College delivering Strength & Conditioning courses to coaches at all levels; we cater

for coaches at club to inter county level. We also cater for professional athletes at provincial, national and international standard.

These courses are designed to give the coach a professional qualification in the area of Strength & Conditioning.

Currently, Setanta C

ollege offers four HETAC

accredited courses.•

ResistanceTraining&WeightTrainingforSport(3M

odulesHETAC

Level6)•

PhysicalFitness&ConditioningforSport(6M

odulesHETAC

Level6)•

HigherC

ertificateinStrength&Conditioning(12m

odulesHETAC

Level6)•

BachelorofArtsinStrength&Conditioning(18m

odulesHETAC

Level7)

Setan

ta Co

llege D

irectors: D

r. Liam

Hen

nessy

& M

ary H

og

an. C

om

pan

y R

egistratio

n 4

32

78

2.

Tel: 0

1-6

75

70

07

. Em

ail: secretary@

setantaco

llege.co

m W

eb: w

ww

.setantaco

llege.co

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Each module lasts 12 w

eeks and is delivered through blended learning. There are 2 workshops to attend w

ith each module.

These workshops are delivered in Thurles and Dublin.

There is a reduced price for Emergency Service M

embers of €500* per m

odule.

The next intake for these courses is 1st March 2012.

Further information m

ay be obtained from w

ww

.setantacollege.com, or at 01-6757007.

Setanta College will also be introducing short courses for the entry level coach in the near future. Details of these courses w

ill be forw

arded through the Emergency Services w

hen launched.

* This reduction is only valid if the module is paid for in full at the start of the m

odule.

Setanta College is pleased to offer exciting new

Strength &

Conditioning courses to those w

ho wish to coach at

the very highest level in Sport.

Setanta College is a Thurles based on-line College delivering Strength & Conditioning courses to coaches at all levels; we cater for coaches at club to inter county level. We also cater for professional athletes at provincial, national and international standard. These courses are designed to give the coach a professional qualification in the area of Strength & Conditioning.

Currently, Setanta College offers four HETAC accredited courses.• ResistanceTraining&WeightTrainingforSport(3ModulesHETACLevel6)• PhysicalFitness&ConditioningforSport(6ModulesHETACLevel6)• HigherCertificateinStrength&Conditioning(12modulesHETACLevel6)• BachelorofArtsinStrength&Conditioning(18modulesHETACLevel7)

Setanta College Directors: Dr. Liam Hennessy & Mary Hogan. Company Registration 432782.

Tel: 01-6757007. Email: [email protected] Web: www.setantacollege.com

Each module lasts 12 weeks and is delivered through blended learning. There are 2 workshops to attend with each module. These workshops are delivered in Thurles and Dublin.

There is a reduced price for Emergency Service Members of €500* per module.

The next intake for these courses is 1st March 2012. Further information may be obtained from www.setantacollege.com, or at 01-6757007.

Setanta College will also be introducing short courses for the entry level coach in the near future. Details of these courses will be forwarded through the Emergency Services when launched.

* This reduction is only valid if the module is paid for in full at the start of the module.

Setanta College is pleased to offer exciting new Strength & Conditioning courses to those who wish to coach at



Currently, Setanta College offers four HETAC accredited courses.• Resistance Training & Weight Training for Sport(3 Modules HETAC Level 6 )• Physical Fitness & Conditioning for Sport (6 Modules HETAC Level 6)• HigherCertificateinStrength&Conditioning(12modulesHETACLevel6)• BachelorofArtsinStrength&Conditioning(18modulesHETACLevel7)


There is a reduced price for IRUPA members of €500* per module.

Thenextintakeforthesecoursesis1stMarch2012.Furtherinformationmaybeobtainedfromwww.setantacollege.com,orat01-6757007.

Setanta College will also be introducing short courses for the entry level coach in the near future. Details of these courses will be forwarded through IRUPA when launched.


Phone:016757007Email:[email protected]:www.setantacollege.com

IRUPA DIRECTORY

IRUPA INFORMATION & DIRECTORY

WebsiteUpdated information on all player benefits and deals as well as Player Services Programme resources are available on the member’s only section of the IRUPA website www.irupa.ie

All relevant details and contact names and numbers are available in this section also.

IRUPA Contacts66 Lower Leeson StreetDublin 2T: +353 1 676 9680F: +353 1 676 9972

Omar HassaneinChief Executive +353 86 044 7955 or [email protected]

Hamish Adams Player Services Advisor +353 86 350 2552 or [email protected]

Sara Jane English Sponsorship & Communications +353 86 853 2970 [email protected] IRUPA Executive BoardBrian O’DriscollChairmanGavin DuffyConnachtShane Jennings Leinster Paul O’Connell Munster Rory Best Ulster Non Executive BoardKen BelshawDenis O’BrienPadraig Ó Ceidigh

Official Partners and SuppliersArachas Insurance, Official Supplier of Pro Protect InsuranceAlan MillerE: [email protected]

BDO, Official Financial AdvisorCiaran Medlar E: [email protected]

McKenna Durcan Solicitors, Official Legal AdvisorsE: [email protected] www.mckennadurcan.ie

Our SponsorsKilleen Castle O2Under Armour Volkswagen

Our SupportersCareer ConsultantsCareline International Moving & StorageCommercial Wirelessd4hotels LG ElectronicsMammoth Elite Sport Mattresses Natural RetreatsSportscode

27JAN 2012Setanta College is a Thurles based on-line College delivering Strength & Conditioning courses to coaches at all levels; we cater

for coaches at club to inter county level. We also cater for professional athletes at provincial, national and international standard.

These courses are designed to give the coach a professional qualification in the area of Strength & Conditioning.

Currently, Setanta C

ollege offers four HETAC

accredited courses.•

ResistanceTraining&WeightTrainingforSport(3M

odulesHETAC

Level6)•

PhysicalFitness&ConditioningforSport(6M

odulesHETAC

Level6)•

HigherC

ertificateinStrength&Conditioning(12m

odulesHETAC

Level6)•

BachelorofArtsinStrength&Conditioning(18m

odulesHETAC

Level7)

Setan

ta Co

llege D

irectors: D

r. Liam

Hen

nessy

& M

ary H

og

an. C

om

pan

y R

egistratio

n 4

32

78

2.

Tel: 0

1-6

75

70

07

. Em

ail: secretary@

setantaco

llege.co

m W

eb: w

ww

.setantaco

llege.co

m

Each module lasts 12 w

eeks and is delivered through blended learning. There are 2 workshops to attend w

ith each module.

These workshops are delivered in Thurles and Dublin.

There is a reduced price for Emergency Service M

embers of €500* per m

odule.

The next intake for these courses is 1st March 2012.

Further information m

ay be obtained from w

ww

.setantacollege.com, or at 01-6757007.

Setanta College will also be introducing short courses for the entry level coach in the near future. Details of these courses w

ill be forw

arded through the Emergency Services w

hen launched.

* This reduction is only valid if the module is paid for in full at the start of the m

odule.

Setanta College is pleased to offer exciting new

Strength &

Conditioning courses to those w

ho wish to coach at



Currently, Setanta College offers four HETAC accredited courses.• ResistanceTraining&WeightTrainingforSport(3ModulesHETACLevel6)• PhysicalFitness&ConditioningforSport(6ModulesHETACLevel6)• HigherCertificateinStrength&Conditioning(12modulesHETACLevel6)• BachelorofArtsinStrength&Conditioning(18modulesHETACLevel7)

Setanta College Directors: Dr. Liam Hennessy & Mary Hogan. Company Registration 432782.

Tel: 01-6757007. Email: [email protected] Web: www.setantacollege.com


There is a reduced price for Emergency Service Members of €500* per module.

The next intake for these courses is 1st March 2012. Further information may be obtained from www.setantacollege.com, or at 01-6757007.

Setanta College will also be introducing short courses for the entry level coach in the near future. Details of these courses will be forwarded through the Emergency Services when launched.


Setanta College is pleased to offer exciting new Strength & Conditioning courses to those who wish to coach at



Currently, Setanta College offers four HETAC accredited courses.• Resistance Training & Weight Training for Sport(3 Modules HETAC Level 6 )• Physical Fitness & Conditioning for Sport (6 Modules HETAC Level 6)• HigherCertificateinStrength&Conditioning(12modulesHETACLevel6)• BachelorofArtsinStrength&Conditioning(18modulesHETACLevel7)


There is a reduced price for IRUPA members of €500* per module.

Thenextintakeforthesecoursesis1stMarch2012.Furtherinformationmaybeobtainedfromwww.setantacollege.com,orat01-6757007.

Setanta College will also be introducing short courses for the entry level coach in the near future. Details of these courses will be forwarded through IRUPA when launched.


Phone:016757007Email:[email protected]:www.setantacollege.com

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