The Sport Lived Rugby Academy in Brisbane gives you the chance to train like a professional rugby player. Our courses provide the ultimate rugby education: you’ll receive elite coaching and have access to outstanding facilities.

Recommended for:

work intensively on your game
meeting friends through club and academy rugby
training alongside elite players and coaches
having ample time to travel before or after your programme

At a glance:

daily training plus matches every weekend
access to world-class rugby facilities
elite Coaching from highly skilled staff
4-star city centre accommodation shared with Sport Lived participants

Sport Lived social for the Rugby Academy players in Brisbane.

Ed, Ali and Barney at the Gold Coast.

Colts grand final rugby match in Brisbane.

Tom Davey with his club coach in Brisbane.

The Gold Coast

Sporting adventures

You can attend the academy for 12 weeks from March to June or for 8 weeks during July or August. On both programmes you’ll train every day Monday to Friday and play matches for a local rugby club at the weekends. You’ll live 15 minutes from the academy in 4 star city centre apartments with other Sport Lived participants.

Prices and dates...

Location	Duration	From	To	Price
Brisbane	8 weeks	04/07/2011	28/08/2011	£ 4195
Brisbane	12 weeks	22/03/2010	13/06/2010	£ 4995
Brisbane	8 weeks	05/07/2010	29/08/2010	£ 3995
Brisbane	12 weeks	21/03/2011	12/06/2011	£ 5195

Your coaching team

The expertise and experience of the Rugby Academy coaching team are second to none. Every member of the team brings a vast amount of knowledge and an individual approach to the coaching role. Each area of the game has a specific coach ensuring that each person receives individually tailored tuition. Please find below profiles on the academy coaching staff.

James Holbeck
Academy Backs Co-ordinator

Assistant Coach for Randwick Premier Grade Rugby Club

ARU Level 2 Accredited Coach

Completed Waratahs Advanced Coaching Programme

Played for the Wallabies from 1997 – 2001

ACT Brumbies 1996 - 2003

Cameron McKintosh
Academy Assistant Coach

BA in Sports Studies from University of Queensland

ARU Level 2 rugby coach

Rugby academy assistant coach 07-09

University of Queensland Premier colts coach 2008/09

Queensland Reds Junior Representative Coach

Vince Kelly
Academic Consultant

Provides input on all strength and conditioning programmes at the academy

Holds an Honours degree in Exercise Physiology

Undergraduate degree in Applied Science

Previously held strength and conditioning roles with the Western Force, ARU, Auckland Rugby Union and Queensland Academy of Sport

David Enfantie
Academy Head Coach

Currently Head Coach of the University of Queensland Premier Colts

2008 Co-coach Easts Premier Colts (Grand Finalists)

2007 – 2008 South Queensland Rugby Manager – Queensland Rugby

2007 Assistant Coach North Queensland U19

2004 – 2007 North Queensland Development Manager – Queensland Rugby

2004 Australian Rugby Union Level 2 Accredited Coach

Adam Garred
Strength and Conditioning Coach

Co-ordinates physical development programmes for all academy players

Programmes focus on developing players speed, agility, strength and power

Holds a masters degree in Exercise Science – Strength and Conditioning

Level 2 Strength and Conditioning Coach

Has a Human Movement Studies Degree from the University of Queensland

Your pad

Accommodation is key to the Sport Lived experience. You’ll live in 4-star centrally located apartments. The academy is a 20-minute bus ride from your accommodation and with lots of bars, clubs, restaurants and shops close-by there are plenty of places to work, rest or play!

Four star city centre apartments

At a glance:

4-star furnished apartments with internet access
close to transport links and city nightlife
shared with other Sport Lived participants
inclusive of most household bills

Home from home...

Apartments are shared with other Sport Lived participants and include many mod-cons. Each complex has a 24-hour reception and many have an in-house swimming pool and gym. Apartments are fully furnished including a tv, linen, kitchen appliances, washing machines, etc.

NB: Illustrative accommodation pictures.

Apartment kitchen

Apartment living room

Apartment lounge diner

Apartment swimming pool

Apartment kitchen

Apartment living room

Apartment lounge diner

Apartment kitchen

Apartment living room

Apartment swimming pool

Tuition

The expertise and experience of the Academy coaching team are world-class. Every member of the team brings a vast amount of knowledge and an individual approach to the coaching role. Each area of the game has a specific coach ensuring that players receive individually tailored tuition.

The tuition you’ll receive

Our coaching team will analyse and develop every area of your game. The programme adopts a ‘holistic’ approach in terms of complete player development, and combines proven best practice coaching principles, education programmes, monitoring and evaluation procedures.

The coaching at the academy will focus on:

Strength, power, speed, agility and endurance development

The aim here is to transfer physical gains from gym work and training onto the field and to maximise injury prevention in collision and non-collision situations. They also include elements of ‘prehabilitation’ to address and manage any identified predisposition to injury.

Psychological skill development

Over the course of the programme players are provided with mental toughness tools to help achieve goals. Techniques will help:

develop confidence
identify and establish optimised performance zones
overcome negative thinking
relaxation
pre-game preparation, in-game focusing and post game review

Athlete education

Regular seminars are provided to academy players during the course of the programme:

psychological skills for rugby
nutrition
time management
team building and culture development
recovery
injury prevention
leadership development
tactical and decision-making development

FAQs

Do you have to be a really good rugby player to attend the academy?

No. Players of all abilities can attend the rugby academy in Queensland where they’ll receive quality coaching and play matches to improve their game.

Where is the Academy located?

The academy is in the suburb of St Lucia which lies around 4km outside central Brisbane. It takes around 20 minutes to travel from the city to the academy on bus. There are regular buses between the city and St Lucia throughout the day, so it is easy to get to the academy on public transport.

How is the accommodation structured?

All players on the programme share fully furnished apartments in Brisbane’s central business district.

How many hours of training will players do each week?

Players undertake 15 hours of training each week.

What times of the day are the training sessions held?

Players train each day during the week in the morning and the evening.

Do players on the programme play matches for a club?

Yes, all players on the programme train with a club during the week and play matches in Queensland’s Premier Rugby Competition at the weekends.

Is there any support whilst I’m away?

All staff at the academy are fully trained to deal with any sporting issues that arise during the placement. Pastoral support will be available from your Sport Lived mentor in Brisbane who will be on hand to deal with any issues.

Can I extend my programme after 12/8 weeks?

Yes. If you’d like to do this please liaise with the Sport Lived staff in Brisbane.

Facilities

All academy sessions take place at the University of Queensland. The university is just 15 minutes from the city centre and has some of the best sporting facilities in Australia.

At a glance:

3 floodlight rugby pitches
gym and fitness centre
sports medicine facility including physio and sports massage
8 lane Olympic-sized swimming pool
athletics track
seminar rooms

What to expect

When you arrive at the academy a thorough assessment will be made of your strengths and weaknesses. This assessment provides the basis of your training programme at the academy. Performance objectives are set and continually reviewed as development progresses.

The academy has an in-house sports medicine facility which includes physiotherapy, massage therapists and sports physicians.

You’ll have access to superb facilities to help improve all aspects of your game.

Timetable

A typical weekly schedule on our 8 and 12 week programmes is shown below. On both programmes players undertake a combination of strength and conditioning, specific skill sessions, sports psychology and general rugby education seminars. In addition, participants also play matches with a club at the weekends and attend club practices during the week.

A typical weekly schedule...

	Activity AM	Activity PM
Monday	6 - 9am Strength development with Adam Garred Player injury assessment/ Triage Massage	6 - 7.30pm Education Session Life skills Laws of the game Nutrition
Tuesday	6 - 9.30am Individual player review with Zane Hilton	5.30 - 8pm Speed and agility with Adam Garred Core skill development with David Enfantine Team training with rugby club Recovery with Adam Garred
Wednesday	Free time	3.30 - 5pm Strength development
Thursday	7 - 9am Rehabilitation and recovery with Adam Garred	5.30 - 8pm Speed and agility with Adam Garred Position specific skills with Zane Hilton Decision making practical with James Holbeck Team training with rugby Club
Friday	Free time	4.30 - 5.30pm Recovery with Adam Garred
Saturday	Club match	Club match
Sunday	Rest and recovery	Rest and recovery

Matches

Players on our academy programmes also join a rugby club in Brisbane . You’ll attend mid-week training sessions and play matches at the weekends.

Personal development

Playing for a local club enables participants to put academy coaching into practice in competitive fixtures. Playing and training with a club also enables you to integrate into the local community, meet new people and make new friends.

Most rugby clubs in Brisbane have 3-4 U19 teams and 4-6 senior mens’ teams. A number of the rugby clubs we have affiliations with in Brisbane have Super 14 and international players. Having the opportunity to play and train alongside individuals is another great way to develop your game.

A week in the life...

...of Jimmy Keinhorst who went on a 12 week rugby academy programme in Brisbane.

Monday

Speed training in the morning at the academy followed by review with Colts Coach David Enfantie. Gym training and flexibility in the evening followed by a good feed!

Tuesday

Kicking practice in the morning. Upper body gym work in the afternoon followed by backs skills session. Club training in the evening.

Wednesday

Gym session in the morning. Relax at Southbank in the afternoon before doing a skills session at the academy.

Thursday

Did some shopping at the Queen Street Mall this morning. Speed training and skills work in the afternoon followed by club training. Drinks after training with team mates.

Friday

Conditioning work in the gym this morning. Kicking practice in the afternoon before going to watch the Reds play the Brumbies at Suncorp.

Saturday

Match day. I’m playing Premier Colts and we’re away to Sunnybank. We win 21-19 to remain top of the ladder. Night out in the Valley to celebrate.

Sunday

Lie in this morning. Go for lunch at the Eagle Street Pier with Sport Lived lads. Head to the Regatta Hotel in the afternoon to listen to some live music.

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 the magical sunrise over Ayers Rock
catch a cricket match with 100,000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
visit the Whitsunday Islands and dive the Great Barrier Reef
learn to surf at one of Sydney's famous beaches

Choose your destination city...

Our Play the Season 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...

Chance of rain25

Your mentor recommends:

head to the Gold Coast for a surfing lesson
enjoy the city centre beach at South Bank
explore the city's riverfront bars and restaurants
check out Queensland's islands and the famous Barrier Reef

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 hours 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...

Partly cloudy25

Your mentor recommends:

catch the Boxing Day Test Match with 100,000 Aussies at the MCG
take a trip along Great Ocean Road, one of the world's greatest coastal drives
spend some time enjoying the sunshine in the Royal Botanic Gardens
check out South Yarra for shopping and café culture

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.

Sport Lived in Sydney

Christy is one of the Sport Lived mentors in Sydney. She was born and raised in the city so she knows all about the treasures, both famous and undiscovered, that this fantastic state capital has to offer.

The weather in Sydney today is...

Chance of rain24

Your mentor recommends:

climb the Harbour Bridge for a bird's eye view of the city
take a trip along Great Ocean Road, one of the world's greatest coastal drives
spend some time enjoying the sunshine in the Royal Botanic Gardens
check out South Yarra for shopping and café culture

Social night out in Sydney

Enjoying the sunshine in Sydney

Fancy dress night out in Sydney

From the immaculate beaches of Bondi and Manly to the beauty of the Blue Mountains, Sydney really is a city you won’t want to leave. Being a bona fide Sydneysider, you might think I’m a little biased, but I promise I tell no lies!

Spending time in Sydney is an assault on the senses. You can walk for hours around the city, admiring incredible views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. For an even better view head up the Centre Point Tower, where a full panoramic view awaits. If shopping is more your bag, spend some time on Pitt Street, one of Sydney’s hottest retail districts. Have a bite to eat at Darling Harbour and then head down to Circular Quay, where the city meets the water.

But Sydney isn’t just about the city. Jump on a ferry to Manly or Bondi and spend a lazy afternoon, catching some rays on the beach. Head a few hours out of Sydney to visit pristine beaches without the crowds of the city. Out west are the Blue Mountains so why not make a road trip with your new mates?

This is just the tip of iceberg when it comes to Sydney’s great attractions but I’ll leave the rest for you to explore. And if you don’t believe what I’ve written then you’ll just have to come out here and prove me wrong!

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