Mission And Objectives
Objectives
The Academy aims to prepare and develop players to compete to a world-class standard in international rugby by fulfilling the following objectives:
England
- Provide a continual stream of world-class performers to all England sides
- Create more opportunities for England Qualified Players within the domestic competitive structure
- Develop the mental approach/attitude of under-age players within the system
- Create opportunities for Regional Academy staff to be exposed to the ‘England Way’
Premiership
- Increase the number of England Qualified players within Premiership squads
- Reduce the dependence on overseas players within the Premiership
- Develop a funding model which encourages the promotion of Academy athletes within Premiership squads
Academies
- Ensure the talent identification process is robust, with Schools of Rugby and Elite Player Development Groups operating effectively
- Encourage the continued integration of the Regional Academy within the professional wing of the club
- In conjunction with the RFU Head of Elite Coach Development, continually assess the quality of coaching at academy level. Disseminate a core-skills curriculum to the Academy network. Evaluate the quality of players introduced into the system
Community
- Develop an understanding of the link between the community game and long-term athlete development
- Educate the community game about the changing face of elite athlete development
- Change the competitive structure of schools/youth rugby
Age-Grade Teams
- Bring all England sides under the Elite Rugby banner, from Under 16 through to Senior