Ulster supporting healthier clubs and communities

The 'Ulster Rugby at the Heart of the Community' health and wellbeing strategy was formally welcomed by Ulster Rugby President, Bobby Stewart and Domestic Rugby Manager, Chris Webster, as well as Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency.

Ulster's director of rugby, Les Kiss, along with players Chris Henry, Peter Nelson and Wiehahn Herbst, were also in attendance at the launch.

As part of the on-going development and growth of the game, Ulster Rugby recognises the significant health benefits attached to participation and involvement in Rugby Union.

Working from a preventative approach the key actions and programme's emerging from the strategy will be focus on the following four themes; physical activity, nutrition, healthy lifestyle and mental and emotional wellbeing.

The vision for this strategy is 'Meeting the needs of the Person, the Player, the Club & the Community'.

Commenting at the event, Bobby Stewart said: "Supporting the welfare of everyone involved in the game both on and off the pitch and promoting positive health and wellbeing is an emerging priority moving forward for this organisation. I'm delighted to see such a big turnout at today's launch, which highlights the importance of this strategy."

Chris Shields, Ulster Rugby's Fitness Education Manager, added: "The strategy seeks to ensure that Ulster Rugby continues to promote a positive social experience whereby people feel connected and fulfilled by a lifelong involvement in Rugby Union."

Dr Eddie Rooney Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency said:

"The Public Health Agency recognise sporting bodies play an important role in the health and wellbeing of our communities. We welcome Ulster Rugby's commitment to those involved in the game, with the publication of their first ever health and wellbeing strategy 'Rugby at the heart of the community'.

"PHA is committed to continuing their work with sporting bodies to promote healthy behaviours through physical activity and by promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing, good nutrition, and drug and alcohol awareness.

"We look forward to continuing this important work in the future."

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