RFU England Academy

England Rugby has licensed the Bristol England Regional Academy to serve the geographical area of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire to support the development of an elite group of athletes in the age groups U16-U21. A player selected for academy entry will be directed into a personal development programme that is geared primarily to ensuring that his capacities and abilities as a rugby player are maximised.

The athlete is supported by academy staff, specialist coaches, sports scientists and other specialists appointed by the Academy Manager. All areas of physical, technical, tactical and psychological development will be supported as well as game knowledge, video analysis and a competitive programme appropriate to the player’s development.

Players selected to attend an England Rugby Academy must be England qualified and have the potential to play for England. Player potential will be assessed under four main categories:

- Skills and elements of competence
- Fitness
- Tactical and game awareness
- Personal attitude

These players in the age range of 18-21 are fully integrated with the 1st and 2nd team squads. Several of these will have Associate Professional (Apprentice) Contracts. They will be able to train on a full or part-time basis. They will either play in the Premiership “A” League for the club or be placed in a club at an appropriate playing level.

(c) Martin Bennett

RFU elite players in the age range 16-18 are normally at school or college (See Education links). They are expected to play for their educational institute and also be involved in representative rugby at the highest levels. There is an outreach programme for these players and during the holidays they come to Coombe Dingle to train alongside the 1st and 2nd team squad.

(c) Shaun Thompson/ http://www.st-images.co.uk/

Selection onto and retention within the academy process is rigorous and tough. Entry to the programme will not guarantee a young player's future indefinitely. Each individual player's development and progress will be assessed on a regular basis. Retention on the programme will be based upon the progress of the individual.

Elite Player Development Group

The EPDG are players aged 13 to 16. This group will number roughly 40 players (average of 12 per year group). Working with RFU development staff, CBs, clubs and schools, this is a programme of talent search and player development. Our objectives are mainly twofold:

- to measure the future potential of the players in the EPDG
and
- to develop the player’s rugby potential through improving his technical skills and educating him in the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, fitness and nutrition.

At the age of 16 an outstanding player, considered to have the potential to play for the England age groups will be invited into the England Academy. These will tend to number 2-3 each season.
Normally an EPDG player will play for his school or club and be involved in representative rugby. The Bristol Academy does not normally arrange matches for players at these age groups.

Bristol Age Grade Terms

Players are expected to play for their school or club in the age range 16-18 and be involved in representative rugby at the highest level.

Many schools finish their playing programme after Christmas and there may be a need to arrange several fixtures for U19s. Much depends on the composition of the squad and whether we have sufficient numbers to raise a team.