A course run for Munster rugby players has been approved by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council with degree level status. Successful player-students will, however, only be awarded a higher diploma in professional rugby at the end of their three-year course.

"We're absolutely delighted, " said Hamish Adams, manager of the Munster Academy.

"It's recognition for the commitment and hard work that the guys put in over the years.

They have to be very disciplined to complete the course and to have something like that to show for it at the end is really something."

The course began in 2004 with seven entrants, hand-picked from around Munster for their rugby skills. By next month, there will be 20 students in the academy and the first graduation ceremony will take place next summer. During the rugby season, from September to May, most of the time of the student-players is put into physical and technical rugby training. But in July and August they undergo an intensive course in subjects such as time management, media skills, public speaking and psychological skills.

"Our players go through a strict screening process and we will only take the best rugby players we can find, " said Adams. "We identify them through our own observational skills, the school's rugby, through coaches and even national coaches. We know them very well before we accept them into the academy."

The Academy is funded by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), the Munster Rugby Club and the Munster Supporters Club. Once recruited, players are given a contract and receive a "fairly small" salary.

"We are preparing players for a life in professional rugby, " said Adams. "But even outside professional rugby, these guys are developing skills that every employer will appreciate. The recognition by HETAC has made it even better."