Each applicant is reviewed by an independant selected panel of coaches, administrators and invited representatives. The IAS decision/s regarding athlete selection is based on objective and subjective measures and the IAS hold final responsibility for the selection of athletes.

• July, 2025 – Nominations open
• 31st August, 2025 – Nominations close
• September, 2025 – New athlete interviews by negotiation
• October, 2025 – Program places offered & scholarships announced
• 20th October, 2025 – S&C training commences
• 25th October, 2025 – Induction Day and athletic testing

Training days, times and venues will be negotiated with the squad and coaches once the program places have been confirmed. It is expected that the program will include 30 hours of on-field training.

Beginning in the 2025-26 scholarship year, the IAS will be offering both its traditional, fully supported places AND self-financed places to selected athletes.

FEES

• Coaching
  • 30 hours – $250 inc GST
• Performance support
  • 20-week or half-year access: $540 inc GST
  • 40-week or full year access: $972 inc GST

SCHOLARSHIPS

• Scholarships are available and may be awarded to athletes based on performances at national, state, or regional level over the past year.
• All athletes who are selected for the program will be considered for a fee-free scholarship.
• For further financial assistance, explore the Grow A Star and Local Sporting Champions grants.

The IAS Rugby 7’s program includes various performance support components, including:

IAS Strength & Conditioning Program

The IAS strength & conditioning (S&C) program emphasises long term athlete development and education to produce the best conditioning practice for each athlete.

The program incorporates performance testing and movement screening, athlete conditioning and training load management to provide a holistic approach and a service that is individually suited to promoting enhanced athletic development and a transferal effect for improved sports performance.

The training package is setup to provide each athlete with an all-encompassing service, where all necessary aspects of strength and conditioning are incorporated into a package including:

• • • Initial screening / assessment
    • Exercise program and prescription for low/moderate/high level conditioning, preparation and activation, functional mobility and recovery sessions.
    • Access to scheduled weekly S&C sessions with an IAS S&C coach
    • Planning for each training block (5 weeks)
    • Exercise program upgrades every training block (5 weeks)
    • Statistical analysis of training loads/ strains/ monotony/ fatigue/ training peaks
    • Functional testing, power/speed/endurance testing on scheduled days
    • Further access to selected gyms at scheduled times (unsupervised training)
    • Pool access at selected locations at scheduled times

Athlete Education Seminars

• • • Sport Psychology
    • Media Skills
    • Nutrition
    • Female Health
    • Leadership
    • Recovery & Sleep
    • Concussion

Performance Support

• • • Discounted access to local Physiotherapy, Dietician and Sport Psychology services.