Cultural Immersion & Global Accreditation
Rugby Academy Ireland, headquartered in the picturesque Stradbally Hall in Laois, Ireland, offers a unique blend of individual rugby development, cultural immersion, and globally recognised sporting and life qualifications. This 18th-century stately house sets the stage for the unparalleled and innovative development for aspiring male and female rugby athletes from around the world.
LIVE Updates Show: This article should be read in conjunction with the Academy LIVE Updates Show that took place on Mon 01 Jul 24 – Rugby Academy Ireland LIVE Updates Show Part 1
World-Class Facilities and Amenities
Located within the scenic grounds of Stradbally Hall, the Academy boasts state-of-the-art facilities. Advanced training equipment, and GPS system as well as speed gates, ensure that participants have access to the tools necessary for skill refinement and physical conditioning. Dedicated recovery areas onsite or nearby provide post-training rehabilitation sessions, sports massages, recovery baths, and physiotherapy rooms to aid muscle recovery and prevent injuries.
In partnership with the esteemed venue at Stradbally which hosts the annual “Electric Picnic”, Ireland’s largest music and arts gathering, the Academy offers luxurious accommodation with top-notch facilities, recreational areas, and study spaces. This blend of comfort and functionality enhances the overall training experience and fosters a sense of unity among aspiring athletes. Additional resources nearby offer the unique blend of exactly what is required.
Flagship Programmes & Education
The flagship programmes at Rugby Academy Ireland are their Full Time (FT) & Transition Year (TY) programmes. The FT is an 8 month programme that combines a unique Individual Rugby Development combined with a series of globally accredited sporting and life qualifications ranging from Exercise & Fitness Instruction, Personal Fitness Training to Video Analysis and from Strength & Conditioning to Speed, Agility & Quickness (SAQ). There is SAFE Rugby, Refereeing & IRFU Youth Coaching. The students live and train together and learn a set of invaluable life-skills. It’s as if they were at a professional club or a university.
Transition Year (TY) is an Irish system where students effectively take a year out to experience (and potentially qualify) in a certain industry or discipline. The Academy TY Programme has produced a range of successful students both in rugby and related sports / life qualifications that has allowed them to pursue further careers in their chosen fields.
The Journey Begins – Additional Courses & Programmes
The Academy run a range of other courses and programmes to develop individuals and teams across a range of ages and specialities including;
- Part Time Programmes – Individuals can attend for short periods on the full time programme to upskill certain levels or positional capabilities
- Part Time Transition Year (TY) – Individuals can attend elements of the TY Programme from 1 day a week upwards
- Individual Player Pathway Programmes – Under the direct tutelage of Director of Rugby, Dan van Zyl, students can undergo 1 on 1 sessions to develop certain aspects of their overall game, position or athletic development
- Summer Academy Programmes – There are a number of programmes for ages 16-18 year olds. This usually is the stepping stone to the full time programme
- PSA Academy Camps – Owned by Rugby Academy Ireland, thye PSA Summer Camps are designed for ages 10 – 16 and are a fantastic way to start life in rugby for the youngsters or newbies.
- International Talent Acquisition Programmes – The Academy has built up strong links with an outstanding team of individuals, clubs & agencies pan-globally to offer a Partner & Exchange Programme bringing international students to the Academy and sending ours to locations globally. The Academy are also looking to grow their links with more Rugby Agents/Agencies and accredited Academies to Joint Venture Partner with to the benefit of all.
- Academy Alumni Association – They are also now developing an Academy Alumni Association that formalises the current process. This means that students can link into the Academy and with each other to share updates, vacancies, tips, links and skills.
A Career In Rugby & Sports
A career in rugby is possible! Rugby Academy Ireland can help you begin a professional career in rugby. The journey requires commitment, discipline, practice, hard work, dedication, sacrifice, respect, skill and technique, but you won’t regret it. The skills and qualifications you could gain may see you at Tier 1 rugby OR at Tier 2 / 3 OR in one of these related roles;
- Professional / Semi Pro Rugby Player
- Professional / Semi Pro Coach
- Strength & Conditioning Coach for a variety of Sports
- SAQ Coach for a variety of sports
- Club Administrator / Manager
- Sports / Event Manager
- Sports Programme / Planner
- Video Analyst for a variety of Sports
- Corporate Sports Officer
- Personal Fitness Trainer
- Much MUCH More!!
Comprehensive Player Development
Elite Coaching Staff: The Academy boasts an impressive roster of coaches, including former international players who bring a wealth of experience and expertise. This high-calibre coaching staff ensures that participants receive top-tier training tailored to elite performance standards. The Head of Academy, Johan TAYLOR is a qualified World Rugby Educators, twice Asia Cup winning international coach who together with former Springbok international Scrum Half & Academy Director of rugby, Dan van Zyl also a qualified World Rugby Educator form the backbone of this extraordinary organisation.
World-Class Strength & Conditioning: The Head of Strength and Conditioning at Rugby Academy Ireland is Eamonn Hyland who is also the current Northampton Saints Head of Strength and Conditioning. His outlook and approach is testament to why he is so successful as seen in this interview recently. This affiliation underscores the elite level of training provided, ensuring that athletes receive world-class conditioning guidance.
Nutrition and Injury Prevention: Nutrition education is a key component of the academy’s holistic training programmes. Players learn about balanced diets, hydration strategies, and meal planning tailored to meet the physical demands of rugby. Additionally, specialised training sessions and expert guidance help minimise the risk of common rugby injuries. Players engage in targeted conditioning exercises, proper warm-up routines, and injury management protocols to safeguard their physical well-being.
Mental Resilience and Stress Management: The Academy focuses not only on physical skills but also on mental resilience, stress management, and goal setting as part of the wider life-skills development. Players are coached on maintaining focus during high-pressure situations, coping with setbacks, and staying motivated throughout their development. Individualised coaching sessions address specific needs, such as boosting confidence or managing performance anxiety, ensuring that athletes are mentally prepared to face the challenges of competitive rugby.
Global Exposure and Collaborations: Rugby Academy Ireland collaborates with renowned rugby schools and clubs worldwide, offering participants unique opportunities for growth and exposure. Exchange programmes and international training sessions allow players to interact with diverse coaching styles and playing philosophies, enhancing their technical abilities and fostering a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship across borders. At the end of their tenure at the Academy each full time student can be offered a trial with a club across the globe. This however is based on player character & commensurate to their ability level.
Success Stories and Achievements
Rugby Academy Ireland has a track record of producing successful athletes who excel at various levels of competition. This year alone, two former students Erin King & Alanna Fitzpatrick are representing the Irish Women’s 7s squad at the Paris Olympics, while five more including Ruth Campbell have been selected for this summer’s Six Nations U20s Rugby Tournament in Italy. Male athletes from the academy have gone on to play at club, provincial/regional, and national levels both in Ireland and internationally.
Join Rugby Academy Ireland
By choosing Rugby Academy Ireland, male & female athletes gain access to a unique combination of top-tier rugby training, cultural immersion in Ireland, and the opportunity to attain globally recognized qualifications. With a proven track record of success and a supportive environment that fosters both athletic and personal growth, Rugby Academy Ireland stands out as a premier destination for aspiring rugby talent from around the world.
For More Information OR To Arrange A Visit:
Contact Head of Academy Johan TAYLOR: info@rugbyacademyireland.ie & 00353 (0) 86 412 9196
Contact Director of Rugby Dan van ZYL: admin@rugbyacademyireland.ie & 00353 (0)86 825 3066
