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Play the mini season in australia

Rugby League: Play the mini season in Australia

Duration: 4 - 17 weeks

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Overview

Playing rugby in Australia

Working overseas

Social life

Your pad

FAQs

A week in the life

Prices & dates

Overview

Get a taste of Aussie life with our Mini Season rugby programme. Spend part of the season with a local rugby club, enjoying our shared accommodation at the heart of the action. As with all Sport Lived programmes, you’ll also make friends for life along the way.

Recommended for:

4 - 17 weeks playing rugby overseas
A taste of the Aussie lifestyle
Working on your game in an Aussie club
Boosting your CV with work experience

At a glance:

Hand-picked Aussie rugby league club
Regular matches, training & social events
Shared accommodation
24/7 mentor support throughout your stay

Sporting adventures

The Mini Season gives you the freedom to combine playing rugby overseas with a more flexible programme. Our links with clubs ensure you’ll be matched with a team that suits your ability and your personality.

We also know how much you’re looking forward to life in Australia – so we give you everything you need to settle in and enjoy your freedom.

With city centre accommodation and a friendly mentor on hand 24/7, you can make the most of every minute. Add excellent training facilities and a thriving social scene and life doesn’t get much better than this!

FAQs

1. What type of visa do I need?

Australian Working Holiday Visa

If you would like to obtain paid work during your programme you will need to obtain an Australian Working Holiday Visa. UK citizens aged 18-30 are eligible for an Australian Working Holiday Visa which enables holders to live and work in Australia for up to 12 months. It costs around £150 and can take up to 4 weeks to process so we recommend getting the paperwork sorted well in advance of your departure.

Australian Tourist Visa

If you don’t want to work in Australia you can get an Australian Tourist Visa.

For more information see the Travel & Visa section in the Need to Know area of our site.

2. Do I need to be an elite player?

Absolutely not! We cater for players of all abilities. We will obtain further information on your sporting ability once you have submitted your booking form. This will allow us to match you with a suitable club.

3. How can I find out more general information?

Hopefully, most key pieces of information are available on the website where you can download programme notes, prices and dates. Our Need to Know section also contains lots of useful information. If you have other questions or just want to have a chat, we’re always available either on the phone or via email.

We know that planning a trip overseas can be scary at times and there’s loads to think about. So don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need to discuss anything at all.

Working overseas

You’ll have plenty of spare time between training and competing if you’d like to get a job. As well as enhancing your CV and boosting your bank balance, working overseas will help you meet new people and provide more structure to your time away.

Top tips for getting work:

Plan the type of work you'd like to obtain
Try to gain relevant work experience
Prepare a CV and have two references
Be proactive & persistent in job hunting

Employment options:

Café/bar work: sociable environment
Office work: good rates of pay
Coaching: fulfilling and well paid
Work experience: boost your CV

Working in Australia

You’ll be living close to lots of employment options like offices, shops, bars and restaurants. Contacts at your sport club might also help you to find coaching work.

In addition, your mentor will provide guidance on working in Australia but you should ensure you’re well prepared as the job market can be as competitive as the sports arena!

Playing rugby in Australia

We have links with a wide range of good Australian rugby clubs who’ll welcome you as a new member. Get ready for plenty of banter - the Aussies love to have a laugh with their new Pommie teammates!

With the Mini Season, you’ll experience the Aussie rugby season spending 4 - 17 weeks playing and partying with your club.

Club structure

The top Australian rugby league clubs have lots of teams (on average 2-3 senior men’s teams and 1-2 U19 Colts teams) plus active junior sections. Top teams play one tier below NRL teams such as the Melbourne Storm.

We have affiliations with many clubs who compete at a range of levels so whatever standard your rugby, we’ll be able to place you with a superb rugby league club.

Matches and training

Most rugby clubs train 2-3 times a week and play matches at the weekends. There are also optional gym and fitness sessions during the week and depending on the team you play for, you might also be given a gym pass.

Off the pitch

With so many members, your rugby club will be a hive of social activity. There’ll be drinks after training and matches, plus social events throughout the season - new players’ night (a major event!), pub crawls and an end of season dinner. Many clubs also arrange pre season tours- a great chance to get to know your teammates whilst exploring a new part of Oz.

Rugby development

Our clubs are selected for their high quality coaching and facilities, helping you to return home as a much improved player. If your performances are noted, you could also find yourself selected for a State representative squad – highly prestigious!

…and finally

What are you waiting for? Get out there and show the Aussies how it’s done!

Your pad

STANDARD ACCOMMODATION
PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION

STANDARD ACCOMMODATION

Choose our Standard Accommodation in Australia and you’ll live in a dorm room in a hostel or lodge. All our Standard pads are centrally located and provide easy access to public transport. This makes it easier to get to your sports club, as well as giving you the chance to try out all the bars, clubs and restaurants in the city centre.

At a glance:

Top quality hostel accommodation
Located close to transport and nightlife
Shared with Sport Lived participants
Meet travellers from around the world

Your place in Australia...

You’ll share a dorm room with other Sport Lived participants. You’ll get fully equipped kitchen facilities, a base for your belongings and large comfortable communal areas, so you can catch up with other Sport Lived participants and travellers from around the world.

NB: Illustrative accommodation pictures.

Bedroom

Kitchen

Bathroom

Dining area

Kitchen

Bedroom

Dining area

Bathroom

Dining area

Bedroom

Kitchen

Bathroom

Bedroom

Kitchen

Dining area

PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION

Choose our Premium Accommodation in Australia and you’ll live in a 4 star apartment in the centre of town. Your club will be easily accessible by public transport and with lots of bars, clubs, restaurants and shops close by there are plenty of places explore.

Four star city centre apartments

At a glance:

4-star fully furnished apartments
Located close to transport and nightlife
Shared with Sport Lived participants
Relax! Most bills are included

Home from home...

Apartments are shared with other Sport Lived participants and include a 24 hour reception plus many mod-cons. Apartments are fully furnished including a TV, linen, kitchen appliances, washing machines, etc. They are also serviced weekly so you can spend your time having fun.

NB: Illustrative accommodation pictures.

Apartment kitchen

Apartment living room

Apartment lounge diner

Premium accommodation

Apartment kitchen

Apartment lounge

Apartment lounge and diner

Apartment lounge diner

Apartment kitchen

Apartment living room

Premium accommodation

A week in the life...

...of Andy Page who played rugby league in Australia. Highlights of Andy’s trip included playing in a Grand Final winning team and doing a road trip from Sydney to Brisbane with his Sport Lived buddies.

Monday

Early start for work at the warehouse, but it’s only a half day today. Grab lunch at the flat then off to coach rugby at a local school. U15’s playing up today so fitness drills dominated the training session! Back at the flat for an hour or so, then off to gym for a weights session. Home, big dinner, off out to Scu Bar round the corner for a ‘few’ drinks, always busy down there on a Monday night-filled with backpackers!

Tuesday

Early run this morning, painful after the night before! Full day at the warehouse then home for a light meal before training at 7pm. Mainly skills on a Tuesday and finished by 9pm although me, the other wingers and full backs stay behind for high ball work.

Wednesday

Mondays and Wednesdays are very similar! Coaching went a bit better today as the lads were focused on preparing for their game at the weekend. Got through a tough weights session this evening, as dictated by the league team. Struggled home and collapse into bed!

Thursday

Meet the others down at Coogee beach for the afternoon and play some Aussie Rules. Training in the evening then the squad for Saturday is announced. The starting line up is always kept secret till Saturday morning….nervous wait!

Friday

Full day in the warehouse but probably a good thing as it’s raining for the first time in a while! The Aussies seem to love it!?! Back in the evening and go down to the Great Southern Hotel for a quiet one and watch the League on telly before an early night ready for the game next day.

Saturday

Game day! Always try to get up early to get fluids on board and a big bowl of pasta for breakfast- I need all the energy I can get! Picked to start on the wing. Good game we run out 24-10 winners! Team night out starts at circular quay. Move into the city later and meet up with the guys from Sport Lived in the Side Bar.

Sunday

Well deserved lie in this morning, nursing a hangover from the night before! Down at the pool for a recovery session before lunch. Leaves me feeling just as bad as before! Take a lazy day of rest and relaxation with the rest of the Sport lived guys before the week starts all over again!

Prices and dates...

Location
Duration
From
To
Price

Brisbane
4 weeks
19/03/2012
15/04/2012
Standard
£ 1695

Brisbane
5 weeks
19/03/2012
22/04/2012
Standard
£ 1945

Brisbane
6 weeks
19/03/2012
29/04/2012
Standard
£ 2195

Brisbane
7 weeks
19/03/2012
06/05/2012
Standard
£ 2445

Brisbane
8 weeks
19/03/2012
13/05/2012
Standard
£ 2695

Brisbane
9 weeks
19/03/2012
20/05/2012
Standard
£ 2945

Brisbane
10 weeks
19/03/2012
27/05/2012
Standard
£ 3195

Brisbane
11 weeks
19/03/2012
03/06/2012
Standard
£ 3445

Brisbane
12 weeks
19/03/2012
10/06/2012
Standard
£ 3695

Brisbane
12 weeks
19/03/2012
10/06/2012
Premium
£ 5095

Brisbane
13 weeks
19/03/2012
17/06/2012
Standard
£ 3945

Brisbane
14 weeks
19/03/2012
24/06/2012
Standard
£ 4195

Brisbane
15 weeks
19/03/2012
01/07/2012
Standard
£ 4445

Brisbane
16 weeks
19/03/2012
08/07/2012
Standard
£ 4695

Brisbane
17 weeks
19/03/2012
15/07/2012
Standard
£ 4945

Brisbane
4 weeks
18/03/2013
14/04/2013
Standard
£ 1895

Brisbane
5 weeks
18/03/2013
21/04/2013
Standard
£ 2145

Brisbane
6 weeks
18/03/2013
28/04/2013
Standard
£ 2395

Brisbane
7 weeks
18/03/2013
05/05/2013
Standard
£ 2645

Brisbane
8 weeks
18/03/2013
12/05/2013
Standard
£ 2895

Brisbane
9 weeks
18/03/2013
19/05/2013
Standard
£ 3145

Brisbane
10 weeks
18/03/2013
26/05/2013
Standard
£ 3395

Brisbane
11 weeks
18/03/2013
02/06/2013
Standard
£ 3645

Brisbane
12 weeks
18/03/2013
09/06/2013
Standard
£ 3895

Brisbane
12 weeks
18/03/2013
09/06/2013
Premium
£ 5345

Brisbane
13 weeks
18/03/2013
16/06/2013
Standard
£ 4145

Brisbane
14 weeks
18/03/2013
23/06/2013
Standard
£ 4395

Brisbane
15 weeks
18/03/2013
30/06/2013
Standard
£ 4645

Brisbane
16 weeks
18/03/2013
07/07/2013
Standard
£ 4895

Brisbane
17 weeks
18/03/2013
14/07/2013
Standard
£ 5145

Brisbane
4 weeks
01/07/2013
28/07/2013
Standard
£ 1895

Brisbane
5 weeks
01/07/2013
04/08/2013
Standard
£ 2145

Brisbane
6 weeks
01/07/2013
11/08/2013
Standard
£ 2395

Brisbane
7 weeks
01/07/2013
18/08/2013
Standard
£ 2645

Brisbane
8 weeks
01/07/2013
25/08/2013
Standard
£ 2895

Brisbane
8 weeks
01/07/2013
25/08/2013
Premium
£ 3995

Brisbane
9 weeks
01/07/2013
01/09/2013
Standard
£ 3145

Brisbane
10 weeks
01/07/2013
08/09/2013
Standard
£ 3395

Australia

Sun, sea, sand and SPORT! Australia’s sporting prowess is as legendary as the Great Barrier Reef and a Sport Lived programme is your chance to experience both.

Australia highlights:

Watch a magical sunrise over Ayers Rock
Catch a cricket match at the MCG
Dive the Great Barrier Reef
Learn to surf at Bondi Beach

Choose your destination city...

Our programmes run to cities across Australia. Click on each city to learn more but be warned, choosing your destination is NOT an easy decision.

Sport Lived in Brisbane

Simon heads up the Sport Lived team in Brisbane and is a thoroughbred Queenslander. He’s travelled the world but made Brissy his home, so hear all about his favourite city.

The weather in Brisbane today is...

Your mentor recommends:

Head to the Gold Coast for a surfing lesson
Enjoy the city centre beach at South Bank
Visit the city's riverfront bars & restaurants
Check out Queensland's beautiful islands

Ed, Ali, and Barney at the Gold Coast

Sport Lived social for the Rugby Academy players in Brisbane

Beautiful one day, perfect the next is the ideal way to describe sunny Queensland. Brisbane is located right at the heart of Queensland and is renowned for its laid-back lifestyle and welcoming atmosphere. It’s hard to go wrong with the tropical climate which leads to long balmy nights spent either on the beach or enjoying a cold drink with friends.

Situated on the magnificent Brisbane River the city is the place to be. It is well known for its bustling night life. Whether you want a couple of drinks in a traditional Australian pub, a night on the dance floor or anything in between, Brisbane has a night spot to suit. Brisbane is very popular among travellers and backpackers as the city is constantly thriving with life.

Brisbane also boasts two of Australia’s best sporting stadiums. The Gabba and Suncorp Stadium host matches of Rugby League, Cricket, Aussie Rules, A League Football, Rugby Union - basically every sport you could wish for!

The city is also just an hour's drive from the stunning Gold Coast, which is known internationally as a popular tourist destination, thanks to its white sandy beaches and crystal clear ocean. Maybe now is the time to take up the opportunity to learn how to surf; or travel up further north to the beautiful rainforests and spectacular waterfalls.

In summary, Brisbane is a fantastic city offering amazing experiences. Your time spent here will be remembered and treasured for life.

Sport Lived in Melbourne

Matt has been part of the Sport Lived team in Melbourne for the last few years. Although he was born in the US, he was raised in Melbourne and considers the city home, making him perfectly placed to tell you all about its attractions.

The weather in Melbourne today is...

Your mentor recommends:

Catch the Boxing Day Test Match
Take a trip along the Great Ocean Road
Have a picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens
Check out South Yarra's shops and cafés

Sport Lived participants playing golf in Melbourne

Girls night out in Melbourne

Team mates enjoying dinner in Melbourne

St. Patricks night in Melbourne

Clubbing in Melbourne

First things first. Whether it be playing professionally, socially with mates, coaching or simply watching on the telly, Melburnians LOVE sport. It doesn't matter where you are - the heart of the city, a country town, or in the suburbs, you will not only find a pub with a TV screen, but also an enthusiastic Aussie crowd to watch the action. In terms of live sport, we have the famous Boxing Day test match, Aussie Open Tennis, Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup – Australia’s most famous horse race.

But there’s more than sport. Most importantly, the Melbourne people are an incredible bunch. There's a warm, community sense that vibrates through the city. The locals are typically laid back and welcoming. They love to show off their city and will probably insist on taking you out on the town, exchanging slang words and introducing you to their mates.

This city is famous as the home of culture in Australia and has amazing art exhibitions, markets, music and comedy festivals; shopping, nightclubs and trendy bars. Whatever your taste, you'll find places in Melbourne dedicated to people like yourself.

Book now

Request a brochure

Download a summary