Video: CCRO programme continues to grow

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpyhfTOa9iQ[/embed]

As part of a concerted effort to continue the growth of rugby in Connacht, the expansion of the province's Community Rugby Department has continued this season with more roles being created throughout the five counties.

The number of Club & Community Rugby Officers (CCROs) working for the province has increased from 10 to 14 for the upcoming season.

Lyndon Jones, Rugby Participation Manager at Connacht Rugby, is delighted with the progress being made in rugby at grassroots level in Connacht.

“The CCRO programme is really aimed at getting a rugby ball in the hands of as many young people as possible and to encourage them to enjoy the game.

"We hope to increase playing numbers across the board and recruit players for the local clubs from primary and secondary schools," says Jones.

“The extra investment is aimed at growing the game further in National schools and Secondary schools, getting young people enjoying rugby and transitioning players from school to club to help bolster the playing numbers in our 27 clubs.

"Most of the positions are funded evenly between the club and Connacht Rugby. We also have support from County Councils such as Leitrim, Roscommon and Mayo which has been a great help in increasing CCRO positions and hours.”

For more details on Connacht's Club and Community Department, please email info@connachtrugby.ie.

Connacht Rugby Club & Community Rugby Officers

Chris O'Neill (Ballina RFC)

Simon O'Malley (Castlebar/Westport RFC)

Walter Gibbons (Ballinrobe RFC/Ballyhaunis RFC/Claremorris RFC)

Colm McWeeney (Co. Leitrim & Carrick-on-Shannon RFC)

Michéal Glennon (Co. Roscommon & Creggs RFC)

Tom Newell (Corrib RFC, Dunmore RFC & Tuam RFC)

Matt Henderson (An Ghaeltacht RFC, Oughterard RFC & Connemara RFC)

Jarleth Naughton (NUIG RFC)

Will Thornton (Corinthians RFC/Galwegians RFC)

Nicole Fowley (Gort RFC/Loughrea RFC/Portumna RFC)