Looking for a new hobby in the New Year? Give refereeing a try.

Connacht Rugby's Association of Referees is looking for new recruits, and is hosting a new referees course at the Galway Sportsground, Saturday, January 7.

In addition to giving something back to our great game, refereeing is a fantastic pursuit and a great way to keep fit.

We cater to all levels of rugby experience for those aged 18 and over. If interested in attending the course please contact referee development officer Dave O'Brien, on 087 641 8340. He is delighted to field all and any enquiries, and can talk you through the referee recruitment process in more detail.

Please call, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Head of Fitness, IRFU

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) is currently accepting applications for the position of Head of Fitness, IRFU. The successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to operate within an ambitious, challenging and successful rugby environment. This is a senior management position within the IRFU with the primary goal of further developing and implementing the IRFU Fitness Programme within the Professional Game (National and Provincial), Domestic Game and at the Academy and Age Grade Levels. This position involves direct management of all Fitness Staff operating within the IRFU.

Reporting directly to the IRFU Director of Rugby, and working closely with the directors of coaching and fitness coaches at provincial and national Level, the successful candidate will have;

    A minimum of 5 years experience in a head fitness position within a professional rugby environment;
    Recognised degree or higher national diploma in physical education, human movement, practical certification in sport related competence (i.e. SAQ, strength and conditioning, functional conditioning).
    Experience in the development and delivery of fitness related continued professional development;
    An appreciation and thorough understanding of the structures of Irish rugby and the Long Term Player Development pathway;
    Excellent people management and leadership skills.
    Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.

The successful candidate will receive a remuneration and benefits package commensurate with this high profile position.

To apply, please forward your Curriculum Vitae with a covering letter of not more than one page highlighting relevant experience to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or alternatively to Human Resources, IRFU, 10-12 Lansdowne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. The closing date for applications is 1pm, Friday 11th November 2011.

The IRFU is an equal opportunities employer.

Former President of the Referee Association and former Chairman of Connacht Schools Noel Carpenter passed away this morning.

Noel who played his club rugby at UCG and Galwegians represented Connacht between 1960 and 1965. Indeed he played in the last Connacht team to win in Ravenhill when they defeated Ulster by 6 points to 3 points in November 1960.

Noel took up refereeing on finishing his playing career and was President of the Association of Referees Connacht Branch 1988/89 and 1989/90

Connacht Rugby would like to pass on its sympathies to the Noel’s wife Áine and the rest of the Carpenter family.

Domestic Game Administrator, Connacht Rugby

Connacht Rugby is currently accepting applications for the position of Domestic Game Administrator, based in the Galway office. This fixed term position is available immediately for a period of eight months. With responsibility for the administration of domestic game programmes and activities, the Domestic Game Administrator plays a key role in contributing to the smooth operation of programmes in clubs, schools and colleges in the province.

Reporting to the Domestic Rugby Manager Connacht, the successful applicant will be required to fulfil the following main duties:
•    Provide administration support in the delivery of all Domestic Rugby Programmes.
•    Schedule and manage resources for Domestic Game workshops/courses.
•    Maintain and update the Domestic Game website, contribute news items to the website as required.
•    Submit monthly reports on games played and rugby development activities.
•    Maintain up-to-date records.

The successful applicant will have:
•    Previous experience in administration and project management.
•    Strong computer literacy skills in particular website administration.
•    Excellent written communication skills.
•    Excellent organisational and teamwork skills.
•    Experience in the sports industry and an appreciation for rugby is desirable.
•    A qualification in IT and website administration is desirable.

To apply, please forward your Curriculum Vitae with a covering letter of not more than one page highlighting relevant experience to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or alternatively to Hazel Casburn, Connacht Rugby, Galway Sportsground, College Road, Galway.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 31st October

Connacht Rugby is an equal opportunities employer.