The Plus500 Brumbies are proud to announce the launch of their new Rugby Academy.
The Academy, which will bridge the gap for talented players from the current pathway to the elite Super Rugby team, will initially consist of twelve players who will undertake three sessions per week with the Academy.
The Academy will be instrumental in the developing of individuals as players and coaches with the key focus being on the improvement of their core skills and physical development.
Daniel Hooper has been named as the initial Academy Head Coach with Ben Norcott appointed as Strength and Conditioning Coach and Tom Anderson as Academy Analyst.
“The Academy will improve the transition from our pathways to our Super Rugby team,” Head Coach Dan McKellar commented.
“It will provide a clearer pathway to the Brumbies squad for local players and will assist us with our succession planning. It is hoped that the Academy will enhance the number of local players that may make the Brumbies Rugby Super Rugby squad in the future.”
Brumbies CEO Michael Thomson was enthusiastic about the new Academy and what it can offer aspiring players in Canberra and beyond.
“This concept provides the organisation with an opportunity to identify, observe and develop local players and coaches and target future opportunities within the elite squad,” Thomson said.
“The launch of this Academy will help us to speed up the development of players in certain positions and will expose those players to the professional rugby environment so that any transition to the elite level is that much easier to handle."
The initial Academy intake will feature a host of local recruits alongside some promising interstate talent as the Brumbies utilise the Academy for future succession planning.
The Academy will begin its operations from Monday 20 November with training taking place primarily at Brumbies HQ, with associated sessions likely to be spread around the local rugby community.
BRUMBIES ACADEMY INTAKE
NAME POSITION CLUB/HISTORY
Angus Allen Backrow Wests
Will Goddard Flyhalf ACT Schools
Byron Hollingworth-Dessent Wing NSW CAS
Len Ikitau Centre Tuggeranong
Harry Lloyd Prop Wests
Noah Lolesio Centre Australia Schools
Langi Lolotonga Backrow Easts
Lachlan Lonergan Hooker Tuggeranong
Liam Rasch Lock/Backrow Wests
Tom Ross Prop Gungahlin
Seamus Smith Scrumhalf ACT Schools
Head Coach: Daniel Hooper
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Ben Norcott
Academy Analyst: Tom Anderson
