BC Rugby Academy

Mission

To further support and track the development of rugby players within BC through the provision of world-class coaching, training, performance analysis, and access to sport-relevant educational opportunities.

Background

Established in 2006, the BC Rugby High Performance Academy is for talented age-grade rugby players identified as potential future National XVs and Sevens Rugby Team players. The Academy program is linked directly to Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) principles and offers players skill training around Rugby Canada’s National Key Themes, as well as a variety of enhancement programs delivered by BC Rugby coaches and international-calibre professional sport consultants. The Academy program does not field a specific competing team, but rather is aimed at developing the potential National Team player.

Long ingrained in the rugby sport culture of countries dominant in the sport, academy programs serve as a vital part of the athlete development pathway and also provide opportunities for the athletes to been seen more frequently by National and provincial coaches and scouts.

For the 2019 – 2020 season, the Academy program is offered to both male and female players in the U20, U19, U18, U17 and U16 age grades.

Academy Aims

To develop quality rugby players with the skills, discipline, knowledge and support required to succeed at Rugby Canada U17, U18, U19 and U20 levels, as well as National Women’s League, Canadian Rugby Championship and Senior National Team levels.
To provide Academy players with appropriate life skills to develop into well-rounded individuals with the ability to succeed in life outside of Rugby
To develop quality individuals who act as positive role models for the community and the sport of Rugby.

BC Rugby Academy Commitments

The BC Rugby Academy Player will:

Accept responsibility in applying himself/herself to the Academy program.
Participate as fully as possible in the learning and training experiences offered by the Academy program.
Display appropriate behaviour and self-discipline as a player of the Academy at all times.
Maintain membership with BC Rugby and Rugby Canada.

The Provincial High Performance Academy will:

Be supported by the High Performance Manager of BC Rugby, who will supervise the effective delivery of the Academy program and ensure goals are met.
Accept responsibility for the creation of an environment that provides opportunities for Academy players to achieve the objectives of the program, as well as reach their own personal goals and potential within the sport of Rugby.
Provide support to enable Academy players to be the best they can be in life outside of rugby.
Provide Rugby Canada with up-to-date data on all identified athletes taking part in the Academy.

Age Grades Birth Years for 2019-20

The Age Grade of the athlete for the 2019-20 Academy is determined by the same criteria of the 2018-19 season which starts September 2018.

U19 are those born in	2001
U18 are those born in	2002
U17 are those born in	2003
U16 are those born in	2004

Application for Selection into the Academy

To be eligible for entry into the BC Rugby Academy, athletes must be a registered member with BC Rugby and Rugby Canada, and have at least one of the following:

• Have represented their province in Rugby
• Have represented Canada in Rugby
• Be recommended by a Provincial or Regional coach

To be considered for the 2019-2020 season of the BC Rugby Academy, both player and parent/guardian need to complete an application form return it to BC Rugby for review. Click on the tab for the region where you would like to attend for more details, then use the application buttons on the right-hand side of the page.

Details for the 2019-20 Vancouver Island Academy are still being finalised.

If you have any questions, please email Clint Lemkus (performance@bcrugby.com) or check back soon for updates.

Details for the 2019-20 Lower Mainland Academy are still being finalised.

If you have any questions, please email Clint Lemkus (performance@bcrugby.com) or check back soon for updates.

Schedule

Beginning in September of 2019 and running through to December 2019. The first session of the Academy will be September 6th, 2019 and run every Friday evening through to December.

Regional Sessions will be high intensity, focusing on skill development and integrated fitness. They will take place in both Kelowna, Kamloops and Nelson.

Combined Sessions will be larger group sessions that will focus on the National Key Themes and provide added value to the athlete in the form of Nutritional speakers, Strength and Conditioning and Mental Training.

Kelowna Academy may have additional opportunities built into the schedule

Kamloops Academy may have additional opportunities built into the schedule

BC Rugby Union Athlete Carding 2019-20

By virtue of its status as a “targeted sport” within the British Columbia Integrated Performance System (IPS), BC Rugby Union is eligible to nominate selected athletes and their coaches for enhanced programs and services support through the Canadian Sport Institute and the network of Regional Centres in BC.

For more information on player carding, or to apply, click here