Rugby Union
Rugby Union
Want to take the next step in your Rugby Union career?
The IAS Rugby Union Program is designed to support the developmental needs of the regions young talented players by providing industry leading high-performance sport development programs. Scholarships are offered for a 12-month period commencing in October and concluding in September. However, there is a heavier focus on the program from September through to April. The aim of the program is to provide additional skill development on top of club, representative or school-based training.
The program will provide coaching, training and competition to improve athlete development with a view to:
- Develop the fundamental skill level of athletes which will enhance their opportunities for selection into NSW State Teams
- Prepare athletes to a level where their transition to any NSW State Team is ‘seamless’ in terms of programs or pathways
- Increase the level of success of those athletes at competition and events in Rugby competitions nationwide
- Provide an introduction and progression into sport specific strength and conditioning
- Provide education around athletic development as well as personal development in topics such as Nutrition, Sport Psychology, Media Skills / Public Speaking, Youth Leadership, Drugs in Sport
- The program will conduct weekly skills based and strength and conditioning training to which attendance is expected.
2021-22 Staff
Tony Leeder-Smith, Head Coach
Ian Westwood, Assistant Coach
Scott Hatch, Assistant Coach
Grace Blackmore, Manager
2021-22 Squad
Angela Agavale
Veronica Agavale
Rishabh Arcot
Bailey Blackwell
William Carter
Deklyn Chambers
Rebecca Cusack
Ben Dolan
Daniel Duggan
Jackson Farland
Sarah Heaton
Jacob Kolitagane
Mary Ledger
Lauryna Malaesilia
Jayden Mazoudier
Cruz McGuinness
Kade McQuiggin
Oliver Miles
Mikaere Miller
Grace Moylan
Laylah Moylan
George Newell
Hannah Newell
Peter Pantsos
Maria Paseka
Jayda Patrick
Kianu Rawiri
Taye Rawiri
Keenan Seales
Max Sutton
Bethany Whitnall
Digby Woods
*Rugby squad is not finalised until approved by IAS Board. Additional athletes may be added following an on-field trial.
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2022/23 Scholarship
Athlete Eligibility
To be eligible for an IAS Rugby Union Scholarship, athletes must:
- Reside within the Illawarra Region, Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven and Wingecarribee; and Wollondilly, Camden & Campbelltown
- Be a registered member of Illawarra Rugby Union
- Selection of athletes will be based upon the assessment that the player is an emerging talented rugby player of Illawarra representation level with the aim of achieving Country representative level or above
- Athlete age requirements:
- Boys born in 2007-2009
- Girls born in 2005-2009
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2022/23 Scholarship
Selection Criteria
Satisfy the eligibility criteria and demonstrate the following qualities;
- Demonstrate potential to be selected for Regional, NSW Country or Higher within 12 months
- Physical abilities and physical skills considered to be essential for eventual success in rugby
- Display an ability to apply coaching & technical instruction
- Display attitude, commitment and dedication to improving performance
- The ability or potential to work as part of a team to achieve excellence
NB: Subjectivity is an unavoidable element of selection to the IAS Rugby Squad.
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2022/23 Scholarship
Trial Details
Applications are not currently open for Rugby Union.
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2022/23 Scholarship
Fees
The IAS is the only regional Academy to not charge an athlete levy to athletes successful in obtaining a scholarship. However, athletes may be required to contribute to some additional components of the program such as camps and tours.
Athletes will also be required to purchase the IAS Rugby squad uniform.