The Investec International Rugby Academy leads the field

Jun 30 • International, Junior Rugby, School • 4092 Views • Comments Off on The Investec International Rugby Academy leads the field

Senior coaches in a group photo at the Investec International Rugby Academy (from left) Vuyo Zanqa, David Campese, Dick Muir, Brent Russell and Derek Chiwara during the Investec International Rugby Academy held at Northwood High School in Durban on the 29th June 2012 Barry Aldworth©Backpagepix

Designed to teach players and officials the rules, philosophies, technical expertise, tactical knowledge and physical conditioning of the game, the Investec International Rugby Academy is well underway with its intense two-week course involving some of the biggest names in world rugby.

Northwood High was buzzing with a mix of youthful exuberance and enthusiasm combined with experienced and highly acclaimed former rugby stars from New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and England including the likes of Dick Muir, John Allan, David Campese, Ian Macdonald, Brent Russel, Louis Koen, Braam van Straaten, Corne Krige and BJ Botha.

The Investec International Rugby Academy enables attendees to stay at the very top of rugby’s cutting edge by providing techniques and information in a hands-on approach. This gives the participants the platform to take their talent to the next level while at the same time harnessing the credibility, formula and success that is associated with the Academy. The format has two levels for players and coaches, namely the Elite and the Advanced courses – both of which are one week in duration and kicked off on 24 June.

The Investec International Rugby Academy SA Course facilitator Dick Muir, who has had successful stints as former coach and assistant coach of the Sharks and Springboks respectively, said the course provides a unique opportunity to connect with players and coaches in an environment that hones their skills for future success,

“The Academy is structured to provide information and techniques, to identify talents, weaknesses, flaws and to develop and nurture that talent in an intense two-week theoretical and physical programme at world class training facilities. We’ve had so many success stories including Tony Jantjies, Braam Steyn and Patrick Haywood. Youngsters such as these as well as lifting the trophy in the Junior IRB World Cup two weeks ago, serves as motivation for us to continue providing such services in a hungry rugby community.”

Australia’s Oliver Hoskins, who graduated from the Elite Players Course at Hilton College in 2011, described Investec International Rugby Academy as one of the best rugby experiences of his life.

“On the pitch I learnt a new style of South African rugby that I’d never experienced before and off the pitch I met some really amazing people who I’m still in contact with today. The course undoubtedly contributed to my selection in the Australian team.”

There was no respite for the coaches, who were challenged in healthy discussion panels and tasked with evaluating the performances and skills of South Africa’s most talented up-and-coming rugby stars. There can be no better experience for an aspiring young rugby player than to learn the fundamentals of specialist positions including flanks, number eights, hookers, centres and kickers directly from globally renowned rugby stars such as was on display today.

Dick Muir chats with Vuyo Zanqa during the Investec International Rugby Academy held at Northwood High School in Durban on the 29th June 2012 Barry Aldworth©Backpagepix

Werner Swanepoel teaches youngsters the tricks of the trade during the Investec International Rugby Academy held at Northwood High School in Durban on the 29th June 2012 Barry Aldworth©Backpagepix