Scottish Rugby Academy

Scottish Rugby Academy, for sponsorship reasons BT Sport Academy.^[1]

Background

They were launched at the University of Aberdeen’s Hillhead campus on 1 October 2014 at the flagship academy in Caledonia, which is a combination of North and Midlands regions.

The Academies are open to the best talent, male and female, from the age of 14 onwards. The initial focus will be on players within the 16, 18 and 20-year-old age-groups and the top tier of the Academy, stage three, will replace the current Elite Development Player strand within the pro-clubs.

They will also seek to develop the next tranche of coaches and seek to better bridge the gap between the club and professional game.^[2]

Academy Development Stages

Stage 1 - Early Talent Identification

Regionally selected and regionally supported players

Under 14 and Under 15 players invited to attend regional skills camps and local pathway sessions/matches as an initial Academy selection process.

Stage 2 - Player Membership Terms

Nationally selected and regionally supported players

Selected as having the potential to play professional rugby or influence the future success of Scotland Women’s rugby. Players will be managed by Scottish Rugby through the Academy Membership Terms and supported regionally within the Academy structure.

Stage 3 - Player Contract

Nationally selected and regionally supported players

Players selected by Scottish Rugby and supported through the Academy based on Academy Membership Terms but who are also separately contracted by Scottish Rugby and aligned to one of our professional clubs and supported regionally within the Academy structure.

^[3]

Academies

Caledonia

Bruce Frame was announced as manager of the Caledonia Academy.^[4]

Edinburgh

Former Scotland international scrum-half Graeme Beveridge was announced as manager of the BT Sport Edinburgh Academy.^[5]

The facility boasts one of the UK's leading biomechanics labs, players and staff will have access to the University's extensive sports science facilities and gym equipment.

They include a number of exercise physiology labs, one featuring an environment chamber that simulates altitude, humidity, and hot and cold conditions.

An extension will be built to the University's current performance gym, which will include a 20-metre running track and physio area, as well as free weights and cardio machines.^[6]

West

Along with the announcement of Bruce Frame, Jamie Dempsey was appointed Manager of the BT Sport West Academy.^[4]

Work is now underway to create a new purpose built facility, on-site, with state-of-the-art fitness and medical equipment, all part of Scottish Rugby's major policy initiative to develop a regional Academy system that provides the best possible support to players, both male and female, who have been identified as having genuine potential for the future. ^[7]

Borders and East Lothian

The BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy, Borders and East Lothian will operate from the Netherdale Campus, in Galashiels.

This is the fourth and final facility to be announced and has been made possible through a partnership with Heriot-Watt University, Borders College, Gala Junior Rugby Council and the Borders Sport and Leisure Trust.

Chris Dewsnap, the Borders and East Lothian Academy Manager, and his staff will have access to state-of-the-art gym facilities at TriFitness and the 3G pitch at Fairydean, while Heriot-Watt will provide office, rehab and medical space, with Hayward Pavilion hosting changing and on-field medical facilities. Borders College will provide access to the gym and will offer additional office space.^[8]

Current Season

Previous Seasons

Competition

The Academy teams compete in the U-20 Championship, U-18 Championship and U-16 Championship.

References