IRB LAUNCHES RUGBY READY PROGRAM                  26th October 2007

The International Rugby Board has launched an exciting initiative aimed at educating players, coaches and match officials at all levels on the important subject of injury prevention and management.

The resource, which can be accessed through the Training and Education channel on www.irb.com has been produced in English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Russian and is available in print, online and DVD format. "The Rugby Ready program is designed to help all players and coaches, irrespective of their ability, as well as match officials and Union administrators, because it can be easy to overlook the importance of coaching correct physical preparation, skills techniques and injury management," said IRB Training Manager Mark Harrington.

"With the number of men, women and children participating in Rugby continuing to grow, it is important that all the Game's stakeholders are educated to an appropriate level. Correct preparation will undoubtedly enhance enjoyment of the Game," added Harrington.

Participants of the Rugby Ready program will have a high level of training in three key areas of the Game: Preparation, Technique and Injury Management. Each area focuses on the key skills necessary to ensure that players are fully prepared for the physical nature of the Game from correct scrum, lineout, tackle area and maul technique to physical preparation, warm-ups and cool-downs and rehabilitation.

"Importantly Rugby Ready also covers in detail how to deal with injuries on the field, including guidance on the spot procedure, recovery, rehabilitation and knowing when a player is fit to return to play," said Harrington.

The IRB Rugby Ready programme follows in the footsteps of the Rugby Smart and Smart Rugby programmes successfully delivered in New Zealand and Australia respectively. Produced after a period of consultation with the IRB's Rugby Committee involving major stakeholders in the Game, the Rugby Ready is designed to give a more global platform for educating all on these important areas.

The IRB Rugby Ready programme can be accessed via the Training and Education channel of the IRB's Official website www.irb.com or at www.irbrugbyready.com