Greencore Group plc has today (20th January 2014) announced the details of a three year partnership to sponsor the Munster Rugby Academy. The two-way partnership will focus on a number of initiatives in areas such as nutrition and business mentoring support to Academy players. The Academy will now be known as the Greencore Munster Rugby Academy.
The Academy which is central to the sustainability of Munster professional rugby has produced some of Ireland’s leading players since its inception including Keith Earls, Conor Murray and Munster Captain Peter O’Mahony. It has also proved a productive pipeline for emerging young players such Simon Zebo and JJ Hanrahan.
The Academy is a 3 year development programme whose purpose is to produce excellent professional players for Munster and Irish Rugby. The programme develops players along 5 streams – Rugby Tactical, Rugby Technical, Physical, Mental and Lifestyle. Led by Elite Player Development Manager Peter Malone, the candidates for the Academy are determined through the talent identification programme in schools and clubs throughout the Province. The Academy currently comprises 20 players in total.
Patrick Coveney, Chief Executive of Greencore said: “The opportunity for Greencore to partner with the Munster Rugby Academy in facilitating and encouraging the professional development of talented young sportspeople represents a great fit with our own business objectives. We look forward to supporting the Academy in a number of practical ways and playing a productive role in the future of Munster Rugby.”
Peter Malone, Elite Player Development Manager with Munster Rugbynoted: “Greencore’s sponsorship of the Munster Rugby Academy helps us in building a programme which continues to produce leading rugby professionals in a best in class environment. I’m excited by the opportunities that lie ahead with Greencore for the players and backroom team.”
