Premiership Rugby Academies
Guinness Premiersip clubs help develop the rugby stars of the future.
Premier Rugby and O2 launch the Premiership Rugby Academy
- Developing the Rugby Stars of the Future -
On Tuesday, on the second anniversary of England winning the Rugby World Cup, Premier Rugby, in association with O2, launched the Premiership Rugby Academy. It is the first time the Premiership Clubs have joined forces to launch a range of rugby courses under a collective banner with the aim of developing the rugby stars of the future.
The Premiership Rugby Academy will offer a range of courses for all abilities aimed at boys and girls aged six to 17 years: one day courses, three day non-residential courses and five-day non residential courses will be available to choose from, as well as five-day residential courses run with the British Army.
Courses will run in the Christmas holiday break, half-term in February, the Easter holidays, half-term in May, throughout the summer holidays and during half-term in October. Full details of courses and how to book can be found on the official website www.premiershiprugbyacademy.com
The courses will be run by top Premiership coaches who are experienced in nurturing young talent and also by Premiership stars who will be on hand to give guidance and rugby and fitness tips to those attending. The courses will have access to cutting edge equipment and training techniques to ensure the camps are safe and fun, and will focus on teaching new skills and techniques, improving fitness and gaining experience in leadership and teamwork.
Every young person taking part in a Premiership Rugby Academy course will also get the chance to enter the O2 Kick, Pass and Run Challenge, the country's biggest rugby skills competition. This involves a series of kicking, passing and running skills tests in three age groups - 9 years and younger, 10 to 13 years and 14 to 18 years. A winner from each of the three age groups from each camp will go forward into the regional finals to win the chance to compete at the Premiership Final and to be crowned the O2 Kick, Pass and Run Challenge Winner.
O2 is the official partner of the Premiership Rugby Academy, helping to strengthen O2's involvement with rugby at all levels. Gilbert, Land Rover and The Times have been confirmed as official suppliers to the Premiership Rugby Academy.
Wayne Morris, Community Manager at Premier Rugby, said "The Premiership Rugby Academy is an exciting step forward to provide youngsters with the chance to tap into top quality rugby training from Premiership coaches and players all over the country. The new website www.premiershiprugbyacademy.com will make it very easy for parents to locate a course nearby and find out all details for that course including availability as well as to book online".
Carlotta Calleri-Zavanelli, Head of Sports Sponsorship for O2 UK, said "O2 is proud to be building on its successful association with Premier Rugby with the launch of the Premiership Rugby Academy, enhancing O2's involvement in rugby at all levels. Whatever we do in our sponsorship, it is critical that we deliver some additional value back to fans and in turn our customers as part of our strategy of ensuring that they remain at the heart of our business. The Premiership Rugby Academy provides a unique opportunity for children to be trained by the country's best coaches and players and we're delighted that our support will help to discover and develop the stars of the future."
