Ciaran Ruddock
BSc Health & Performance Science 2011
Ciaran Ruddock studied Health & Performance Science and is now a Strength & Conditioning Coach with the IRFU in addition to running FFS Gyms with his business partner who he met on the course. "I really enjoyed the course and met great people, both the lecturers who taught me and my classmates. I also met my future FFS Gyms business partner, Rory McInerney, and we did our thesis together in UCD. This started my coaching career helping people to improve the quality of their lives through S&C training. The knowledge and skills learned in my time at UCD also acted as a springboard for further education, when I was accepted to study Applied Sports Science at the University of Worcester. With the foundations built from my time at UCD, I have been lucky enough to coach hundreds of people from all walks of life. Combining my roles as Director of Performance in FFS Gyms, and Assistant Athletic Performance Coach with the IRFU Men's National 15's team since November 2018, has been hugely satisfying and rewarding".
Ciaran took some time out to answer some of our questions about how his time studying Health & Performance Science influenced him and his career so far.
What led you to studying the BSc in Health & Performance Science?
Passion for training from a health & sports performance perspective. I wanted to learn more to help me with my own training. Also, with a view to learning to coach others who enjoy the benefits of regular training.
What was your favourite part of the Health & Performance Science course?
The excellent teachers we had, who made the process of learning both enjoyable and the information stick. Well most of it ; )
What advice would you give to someone considering studying this course?
Try to combine your studies with some form of coaching or work experience. So you can practically apply the concepts you are learning.
What was your experience at UCD like? Any highlights?
Doing my thesis with a great group of people. It was a lot of hard work, but it was a fantastic experience.
What sports teams did you participate in while at UCD?
I played rugby for UCD.
What is your current job?
I combine roles with FFS Gyms and IRFU.
How do you feel the Health & Performance Science degree prepared you for this role?
It helped me with both theoretical knowledge and practical experiences that helped me to understand how to improve health and performance, across a wide ranges of populations.
Describe your typical workday.
That varies hugely depending on the day and the time of the year. I love coaching people and I try to do that most days.
What inspired you to set up the FFS Fitter Faster Stronger gyms?
Rory McInerney who is one of my friends from UCD. We did our thesis together. He had the idea of bringing team-based S&C training that we found so beneficial from rugby to everyone. I love coaching people and was really keen to be involved.
Have you always been interested in rugby in particular?
Yes I have always loved rugby. It is a fantastic team game that teaches you the benefits of hard work and teamwork. I have been very lucky to be involved in lots of great teams as a player and a coach.
What’s the proudest moment of your career to date?
As a player, having the opportunity to represent Leinster and Ireland with my brother Rhys. As a coach, being involved in the 2023 Grand Slam and World Cup.
In your career and/or personal life, who have been the most inspiring or helpful mentors/advisors that you’ve had?
My dad Mike he is a fantastic coach and person. He is someone I have always looked up to and try to emulate.
What is life like outside work for you? Tell us a bit more about your current life, hobbies, or what you do to relax?
I am blessed to have an amazing wife Sarah and two gorgeous girls Leila and Kezia. I am a man of simple pleasures. I love spending time with them at home. I also love exercising, music and my food!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
It’s nice to be important, it’s more important to be nice.
Content added: July 2024