Based in South Africa, you will be able to train and play in one of the world's greatest rugby nations. This will give you the perfect opportunity to discover what this exciting country has to offer, both in terms of its sport, its awesome wildlife and, above all, the captivating people who live here.
The Academy
The rugby academy is located in Port Elizabeth and is run by a team of professional coaches who have created an intensive programme that focuses on individual and group development. Furthermore, the Academy is internationally recognised and invites players from North America, Europe, Africa and the South Pacific to join its programme. This makes for an unrivalled, challenging and truly rewarding experience for any player wishing to train at the Academy.
In addition to the training, players will have free use of the academy's facilities which include, gym and weights room, swimming pool, athletics track, tennis courts, squash courts and more. This gives players the chance to work on their own fitness levels and physical strength, preparing them for high-impact matches and rigorous training sessions.
You will leave the programme as a much more accomplished player, having developed and understood the importance of both your physical and technical ability, as well as your mental and psychological approach to the game.
The Training Programme
Developed in consultation with leading experts, the rugby training programme aims to translate youthful talent into a successful, long-term playing career by developing the right skills, mental attitude, physical fitness and a superior knowledge of how the game is played.
The programme covers in-depth training on the physical, mental and technical aspects of the game, all of which are essential for developing players to provincial/county and international level rugby.
The programme covers the following aspects of the game:
- Rugby fundamentals
- Continuity, rucks and mauls
- Scrum and lineout
- Backline play
- Team play
- Alternative rugby games
Players will be given ongoing evaluations to help determine their strengths and weaknesses and what particular aspects of the game you are keen to develop. Through intensive practice sessions, you will advance your fitness levels dramatically and, with the continual honing of each player's technical ability, most players will reach their peak level before the pre-season matches and trials with their club, county or university back home. Assessments are prepared for each player during the programme, culminating in a final report at the end.
All players will enjoy the use of the following facilities during the programme:
- Numerous all-weather pitches
- A modern fitness and aquatics center
- State-of-the-art weight training facilities
- Trained personnel monitoring progress
- Support from doctors, physiotherapists and sports scientists
What's Included
- A warm welcome at the overseas airport
- Transfers to/from the airport from/to the activity site
- Food (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as stated in the meals section
- All accommodation as stated in the accommodation section
- Full co-ordination of your programme activities
- All required equipment for the volunteer programmes
- 24-hour support from the in-country staff and 24-hour emergency support from our UK team
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas
- Vaccinations
- Additional Transportation
- Personal spending money
- A free laundry service
- Soft drinks and alcohol
Prices and Durations
South Africa Rugby Academy - 6 weeks £2,759