Leinster Rugby Academy Coaching Clinic announced for Feb. 15 at Xavier HS
- RugbyNY
- Dec 23, 2024
- 3 min read
Join us February 15th at Xavier High School as Leinster Rugby (in partnership with Syracuse University) present “Coaching Rugby the Leinster Way.”
Sponsored by RugbyNY, USA Youth & HS Rugby, and the NYAC Rugby Foundation and led by Leinster Rugby coaches, the one-day clinic aims to enhance the coaches’ understanding of the modern game and give them the tools to translate those tactics to their teams.
Points of emphasis will be strength & conditioning, set piece play, and attack. There will also be a discussion with referees about the new law changes implemented by World Rugby.
The approach uses game-based and player-centered learning and emphasizes values such as teamwork, commitment, integrity, and communication to create a positive and supportive environment.
About the Coaches (click to read more...)
Mark Synott - Strength & Conditioning
Mark is a passionate and experienced Athletic Development Coach currently working with Leinster Rugby. With a background rooted in schools rugby, Mark has developed a deep interest in Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD), focusing on fostering athletic potential across all stages of an athlete's journey.
Mark has gained international experience through work with the Ireland U18 Youths and Ireland Senior Club XV, contributing to their success and development. This blend of domestic and international expertise allows Mark to bring a well-rounded and dynamic approach to athletic development, emphasizing performance, resilience, and long-term growth.
In the role at Leinster Rugby, Mark continues to develop rugby players for the Leinster Rugby pathway, applying a strategic and evidence-based methodology to help athletes thrive at the elite level.
Damien McCabe - Backline Attack
Since the age of 8 years of age Damien has been involved in Rugby. He has played at all levels of the game amateur and professionally and has been coaching for over 15 years at various levels of the game. He has coached the Leinster U18 boys clubs side for the last 8 seasons and previously the Leinster U18 girls squad for 2 seasons. He has also had international experience as head coach of the Ireland U18 clubs taking on Italy in two tests.
He is working for Leinster Rugby for 10 years now, where he is a coach and player Development Officer, with responsibilities for the Metro/Dublin area of the province (alongside his colleague Rob Mullen). currently working with Leinster Rugby. With a background rooted in schools rugby, Mark has developed a deep interest in Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD), focusing on fostering athletic potential across all stages of an athlete's journey.
In the role at Leinster Rugby, Damien overseas the Dublin player and coach development programs. Running coaching courses and cPD workshops for coaches within the local clubs and schools plus facilitating the player pathway, which is for boys from u16-18 and girls u16-18 whom all aspire to go on and wear the blue of Leinster and for the lucky ones the Green of Ireland.
Declan O'Brien - Scrum & Lineout
Declan O’Brien, with 18+ years of experience at Leinster Rugby and IRFU, excels in coach and player development, contributing at national and international levels.
Philosophy:
Focused on integrity, learning, and passion, Declan values humility, resilience, and leadership to inspire teams and stakeholders.
Career Highlights:
Leinster Rugby (2006 - Present):
Coach & Player Development Manager (2019 - Present): Oversees IRFU and Leinster pathways.
Coach & Player Development Officer (2006 - 2019): Led coaching qualifications and player growth in the South East region.
Professional Rugby Player (1996–2000): Represented Leinster Rugby, winning the Celtic League.
Education & Certifications:
Master’s in Business Studies and diplomas in Strategy, Leadership, and Executive Coaching.
Strength and Conditioning degree, Setanta College.
Certified Coach Development Assessor, World Rugby Educator.
Achievements:
Assistant Coach for Ireland Women’s Six Nations Champions (2015).
Head Coach at Enniscorthy RFC, securing multiple titles.
Pioneered development programs for Leinster and IRFU.
Skills:
Strategic thinker, relationship builder, and innovative leader with a passion for excellence.
Time & Location
Feb 15, 2025, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST
Xavier High School, 30 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011, USA
Registration
The registration fee for the clinic is $50.
Registration is open thru Friday, February 14th. Pre-registration is required as space is limited.
RugbyNY is the governing body for youth and high school rugby in the state of New York. They are a member of USA Youth & High School Rugby's Northeast region and are an officially recognized State Youth Rugby Organization (SYRO) by USA Rugby.
RugbyNY is registered with the New York State Department of State as a not-for-profit corporation and is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
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