Talent to Professional – Auckland Rugby's High Performance Academy Trains Stars
Friday 30 August 2019, 5:14PM
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The Auckland Rugby International Academy’s High Performance Academy is a leading edge development programme for talented young rugby players aspiring to become professionals. The High Performance Academy is based at Eden Park and is set up to provide a formal training environment for school leavers and leading young club players.
The players train alongside the Auckland Mitre 10 Cup, Storm, Sevens, and International Academy athletes. The programme provides the education and training opportunities for these players to fulfil their potential in rugby and in life. It is shaped by the NZRU 6 pillar development model which focuses on technical, tactical, physical, nutrition, mental skills and holistic leadership development.
The focus of the programme is to prepare the players for the next stage of their rugby careers (NZ20, Mitre 10 Cup and ultimately Super Rugby and All Blacks). The NZRU 6 Pillar Development Model provides a framework from which Auckland delivers a progressive development programme that is converting 80% of Academy players to Mitre 10 Cup.
There is a strong holistic approach throughout the programme, recognising the need to develop the players, both on and off the field. There is an expectation that players have their drivers licence, access to reliable transport and are consistently making healthy choices with their food.
Nutrition, mental skills, and personal and professional development are integrated in with the on-field development, to ensure that when the progression to professional rugby takes place, the players have the knowledge, tools and confidence to perform at that level.
All players are required to undertake meaningful work or study during their involvement with the High Performance Academy, which is endorsed by the New Zealand rugby players Collective Employment Agreement.
For more information on auckland rugby union, new zealand rugby coach, auckland rugby and more, visit http://www.aucklandrugbyinternationalacademy.co.nz/