Rugby Union: Experience in Australia

Rugby Union: Experience in Australia

Duration: 8 weeks
Australia flag
  • Overview
  • Playing rugby in Australia
  • Your pad
  • Activities
  • Social life
  • FAQs
  • A week in the life
  • Australia
  • Sport Lived in Brisbane
  • Download a summary (PDF)
  • Request a brochure
  • Book your place

Overview

This is ideal if you’re not taking a gap year or have limited time to spare, our 8 Week Experience allows you to combine playing rugby in Oz with pre-planned travel activities. Don’t choose between rugby and adventure – have both!

Recommended for:

  • Spending 8 fantastic weeks in Oz
  • Students not taking a full year-out
  • Playing rugby for a local Aussie club
  • Exploring Oz through organised activities

At a glance:

  • Travel and explore with our activities
  • Regular matches, training & social events
  • 4-star fully furnished accommodation
  • 24/7 mentor support throughout your stay
Rugby Union 8 week AUZ

Sporting adventures

Our 8 week rugby experience allows you to have it all – play rugby, live with other participants and explore the wonders of Oz.  You’ll play and train with a local rugby club, and make friends whilst getting a first-hand taste of Aussie sport.

You’ll live alongside other Sport Lived participants in plush 4-star apartments right in the centre of tropical Brisbane.  You can explore the city with your new mates, and our range of activities guarantee a summer to remember.

Prices and dates...

LocationDurationFromToPrice
Brisbane8 weeks05/07/201029/08/2010£ 3795
Brisbane8 weeks04/07/201128/08/2011£ 3795

Activities

Our 8 Week Experience programmes include a number of organised trips and activities allowing you to combine playing rugby with some great adventures. Specific activities vary slightly from year to year, but here’s an idea of the fun stuff you can expect.

Introductory drinks in the city

During the first week of your programme, we’ll arrange introductory drinks in the city for you and your fellow Sport Lived participants. Your mentor will co-ordinate arrangements and show you around local bars and nightspots to get your programme off to a flying start.

Gym membership

Throughout your stay in Brisbane you’ll have membership to a gym close to your accommodation. You’ll be able to stay in perfect shape, working out with your Sport Lived mates.

Day-long bike ride

Brisbane is a very bike-friendly city with loads of cycle tracks and suburbs to explore on two wheels. We’ll take you on a cycling tour of the city and surrounding regions stopping for lunch and refreshment breaks. A brilliant way to get to know the city and spend time with your fellow participants.

Tangalooma snorkelling day trip

You’ll spend a day exploring the underwater wonders of the Tangalooma shipwrecks, close to Moreton Island just off the Queensland coast. The experience of swimming amongst the wrecks with tropical fish literally within your grasp is exhilarating. You might even spot one of the dolphins or green turtles living in the area.

Traditional Aussie BBQ

Only in Australia would you find the words ‘barbeque’ and ‘culture’ in the same phrase, but the barbecue is an intrinsic part of Australian culture. You’ll get a first-hand taste of the quintessential Aussie experience.

We’ll organise the genuine article complete with ice cold local beer, some old school Aussie tunes and even a game of backyard cricket!

Kayaking on the Brisbane River

You’ll paddle along the meandering Brisbane river with a guided adventure tour observing the city from a unique angle. Watch Brisbane’s most prominent landmarks glide while you keep cool in the river breeze.

Tickets to a sporting match

Another taste of Aussie life is watching live sport. There are some unforgettable sporting spectacles during July and August and we’ll pick up tickets for a great event.

Maybe it’ll be a National Rugby League game at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium or an Aussie Rules match watching the Brisbane Lions in action at the famous Gabba.

Trip to the Gold Coast plus surfing lesson

The Gold Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world as well as famous surf breaks. Just an hour from Brisbane, you’ll spend the day exploring the beaches, shops and attractions of Australia’s premier holiday destination.

You’ll also receive a surfing lesson from a qualified instructor with the aim of getting you up and riding!

FAQs

1. What type of visa do I need and what are the restrictions?

You have two choices for the 8 week experience. If you’re a UK citizen, a standard ETA Tourist Visa is appropriate if you’re not planning to work whilst in Australia. This costs around £18 and is available either short-term (3 months) or long-term (12 months). You must obtain the Visa prior to departure and your travel agent or airline can usually help arrange an ETA Visa.

If you’d like to work whilst in Australia, UK citizens aged 18-30 are normally 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. 

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

2. What’s included in the price of my programme and how much spending money will I require?

The cost of the Sport Lived experience programme includes the following:

  • 4-star accommodation including most household bills (telephone and internet charges are NOT covered)
  • the cost of activities outlined in the Activities section
  • membership of your rugby club
  • airport pick-up at the start of your programme
  • mentor support throughout your stay
  • a handbook with useful information

The programme cost does NOT include the following:

  • flights, insurance, visas, return airport transfer, local transport or food

Your main costs whilst overseas will be transport, match/competition fees plus food and beer money. A cost of living guide for each Sport Lived destination is provided in the Need to Know section. This should help you plan and budget for your time away.

3. Do I need to be an elite athlete?

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.  If you are an elite player, we'll ensure you join a top-class club who know you are serious about sport!

4. When will I find out full details of my programme e.g. What club I will join and where I will live?

Once you have sent in a booking form, we’ll start working behind the scenes to put everything in place for the perfect programme. 3-4 weeks later you’ll receive a confirmation document outlining details of your club, key dates and an overview of your specific programme details.

Final payment for all programmes is due 12 weeks before departure which allows us to finalise accommodation arrangements and send you details of your flatmates and your new address in Oz!

The pre-departure briefing takes place around 8 weeks before you join us and provides a chance for you and your parents to meet up with the Sport Lived team and fellow participants, and ask any remaining questions you may have

5. 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.

Your pad

Accommodation is key to the Sport Lived experience. You’ll live in 4-star apartments in the centre of Brisbane. 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 to explore.

Your pad AUZFour star city centre apartments

At a glance:

  • 4-star fully furnished apartments
  • Located close to transport and nightlife
  • Shared with other Sport Lived participants
  • Inclusive of bills leaving you free to relax

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

Apartment swimming pool

Apartment lounge diner

Apartment lounge diner

Apartment lounge

Apartment lounge

Apartment lounge diner

Apartment lounge diner

Apartment lounge

Apartment lounge

Your pad AUZ

Social life

social_life_rugby_union_8_week_auz_1

Through your rugby club...

We have links with a wide range of fantastic 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 Pommey team mates!

social_life_rugby_union_8_week_auz_2

With Sport Lived…

You’ll live alongside other Sport Lived participants who are playing and coaching a wide variety of sports. This provides a ready-made group of friends for you to get together with and explore life in Brisbane.

Playing rugby in Australia

We have links with a wide range of fantastic 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 Pommey team mates!

Club structure

Australian rugby clubs have lots of teams. You can expect:

  • 5-7 senior men’s teams
  • 2-3 women’s teams
  • 3-4 Colts teams (U21 in Sydney; U19 in Brisbane)

In addition, there are active junior sections.

Top teams play in the highest state leagues, giving you the chance to play and train alongside Super 14 and international players.

Matches and training

You’ll train 2-3 times a week with matches played at the weekends.

Most Sport Lived participants play Colts rugby in Australia. The Colts competition is very strong and taken seriously by clubs. Youngsters at Australian international level and Super 14 academy members all play First Grade Colts rugby so, if you’re an elite player, you’ll have the chance to compete at a very high level.

The senior and Colts sections also have lower level teams, so don’t panic if you’re not planning a career in rugby, our clubs cater for players of all abilities.

Additional gym and fitness sessions during the week are optional and your club might also offer a gym pass as a perk of membership.

Off the pitch

With so many members, your 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, pub crawls and an end-of-season dinner. Some 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!

A week in the life...

...of Jake Ashall who played rugby in Brisbane.

Monday

Gym session in the morning focused on weights and strength training.  Took the bus to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in the afternoon with the Sport Lived gang.  Got to hold a koala which was pretty cool.  Cardio session at the gym in the evening.

Tuesday

Gym session in the morning with light weights followed by a jog along the riverside.  Relaxed by the pool in the afternoon and soaked up the sun (this time I remembered the sun cream!) Club training fitness in the evening focused on skills and tactics.

Wednesday

Went for a walk round the city with the Sport Lived crew. Took in the sights and chilled at the city centre beach South Bank. Tonight going out with a few lads from the club to the Down Under bar!!! Messy night.

Thursday

Recovering from last night but made it to the gym for a good work out. Chill-out time in the afternoon watching some Aussie TV and had a good lunch before training tonight. Club training in the evening, working on drills and moves for the match on Saturday.

Friday

Went for a jog along the riverside and relaxed by the pool.  Later a few of the guys from Sport Lived head out to the Brisbane museum and modern art gallery for some culture. Out for dinner tonight then an early night ahead of the match tomorrow.

Saturday

Got up early and had a good breakfast to set me up for the match ahead.  Played Brothers rugby club and won 50-7 – it was a good match.  Out with the rugby lads and coaches after the game. Had fun chatting over a few beers.

Sunday

Going to South Bank with the Sport Lived gang today.  Just planning to chill out, chuck a ball about and have a nice swim.   We all head out for a nice dinner tonight before going to bed early ready for another week.

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.

Brisbane
The weather in Brisbane today is...
Clear25

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.

Melbourne
The weather in Melbourne today is...
Chance of rain14

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.

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.

Sydney
The weather in Sydney today is...
Chance of rain20

Your mentor recommends:

  • Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • Learn to surf at Manly Beach
  • Eat at a trendy Darling Harbour restaurant
  • See a show at the iconic Opera House

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!

Our accommodation

OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION

See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.

Top tips

CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS

Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.

Book your place

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW

Feeling inspired and ready to take the trip of a lifetime?

Our accommodation

OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION

See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.

Top tips

CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS

Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.

Book your place

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW

Feeling inspired and ready to take the trip of a lifetime?

Our accommodation

OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION

See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.

Top tips

CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS

Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.

Book your place

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW

Feeling inspired and ready to take the trip of a lifetime?

Our accommodation

OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION

See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.

Top tips

CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS

Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.

Book your place

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW

Feeling inspired and ready to take the trip of a lifetime?

Our accommodation

OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION

See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.

Top tips

CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS

Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.

Book your place

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW

Feeling inspired and ready to take the trip of a lifetime?

A picture says a 1000 words

A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS

See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.

Our booking process

OUR BOOKING PROCESS

Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.

A picture says a 1000 words

A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS

See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.

Our booking process

OUR BOOKING PROCESS

Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.

A picture says a 1000 words

A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS

See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.

Our booking process

OUR BOOKING PROCESS

Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.

A picture says a 1000 words

A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS

See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.

Our booking process

OUR BOOKING PROCESS

Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.

A picture says a 1000 words

A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS

See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.

Our booking process

OUR BOOKING PROCESS

Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.

A picture says a 1000 words

A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS

See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.

Our booking process

OUR BOOKING PROCESS

Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.