At Ivybridge Community College Rugby Academy we believe in the English Rugby Football Union’s core values of:

• Team Work
• Respect
• Enjoyment
• Discipline
• Sportsmanship

We believe that our young players are at their most effective when they work closely as a team with others, and that respect is the bedrock of the Rugby Academy.  Students are encouraged to show respect to anyone they encounter both on and off the pitch.  We believe enjoyment does not come only from winning, it is a result of developing a passion for the game, working hard, improving skills, spending time with friends and bettering oneself, regardless of whether you win or lose.  Discipline is an important part of this, helping develop our students’ characters, resulting in stronger, fitter and more successful players.  Win, lose or draw, our students are encouraged to show exemplary sportsmanship, congratulate and shake the hand of their opponent.

Rugby Academy Structure

Benefits

The benefits of playing Rugby is that each individual is able to work on their physical, social, and mental skills, which will enable them to gain in confidence and take their learning forward to Senior Rugby and adult life.  It promotes teamwork, allows the participants to make mistakes and learn ways to fix them and it boosts the confidence of individuals in and around different people and situations, in Rugby and away from it.

What is required to be an Elite Squad member?

• Be performing at an external club in their first team
• Be attending after College clubs regularly
• Be a role model and set an example for the players/students around you
• Be able to adapt to change and give the best version of yourself
• Meet the standards and expectations that are require within the sports academy structure

Senior Rugby Squad

Senior Rugby, for students in Years 11, 12 and 13, has returned to Ivybridge Community College.  It receives support in the timetable and has strong ambitions to become a destination for those who wish to develop their Rugby to a high level.  This includes those who are considering professional careers as Rugby players.                                                                                                                      

Senior Rugby centres on training like a professional and becoming a well-rounded athlete, combined with a strong academic focus.  Students are given the opportunity to succeed in both areas, thanks to a disciplined and supportive environment.  The team competes against the top schools in the country in the national Schools’ Rugby league.

External Links

Overview of Rugby Elite Squad Training

Students will experience a full-time Rugby programme during their PE lessons.  This will comprise of:

• 1 x Core PE lesson
• 1 x Strength and Conditioning Session
• 1 or 2 Specific Sports Academy training sessions