Home
>
Sports
>
Rugby union
>
Play the mini season in australia

Rugby Union: Play the mini season in Australia

Duration: 12 - 20 weeks

Book your place

Request a brochure

Download a summary

Overview

Playing rugby overseas

Your pad

Working overseas

Social life

FAQs

A week in the life

Sport Lived in Brisbane

Sport Lived in Melbourne

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 4-star 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:

a shorter duration - the mini-season lasts for 12 weeks
working on your game in an Aussie club environment
getting a taste of the Aussie lifestyle spending a half-season overseas
boosting your CV and earning cash with work experience

At a glance:

hand-picked Aussie rugby club
regular matches, training and social events
4-star accommodation shared with Sport Lived participants
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 4-star 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!

Prices and dates...

Location	Duration	From	To	Price
Brisbane	12 weeks	22/03/2010	13/06/2010	£ 3495
Brisbane	12 weeks	21/03/2011	12/06/2011	£ 3795
Brisbane	19 weeks	21/03/2011	31/07/2011	£ 4995
Sydney	12 weeks	14/03/2011	05/06/2011	£ 4195
Sydney	20 weeks	14/03/2011	31/07/2011	£ 5995
Sydney	12 weeks	15/03/2010	06/06/2010	£ 3995

FAQs

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

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 £110 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 all Sport Lived programmes includes the following:

4-star accommodation including most household bills (telephone and internet charges are NOT covered)
membership of your 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 player?

Absolutely not! We cater for players of all abilities. The booking form contains a section that allows us to assess your ability and match you with a suitable club. If you’re an elite player, we’ll ensure you join a top-class club who know you’re 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 to 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.

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 before departure
gain relevant work experience where possible
prepare a CV and the names of two referees
be proactive and persistent when job hunting

Employment options:

café / bar work: flexible hours, sociable environment
office work: good rates of pay, experience probably required
coaching: fulfilling and well paid
work experience: boost your CV and gain practical experience

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!

Your pad

Accommodation is key to the Sport Lived experience. You’ll live in 4-star centrally located apartments. Your club will be easily accessible by public transport and with lots of bars, clubs, restaurants and shops close-by there are plenty places to work, rest or play!

Four star city centre apartments

At a glance:

4-star apartments all fully furnished
located close to transport links and city nightlife
shared with other Sport Lived participants
stress free as the price includes most 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. They are also serviced weekly (but you will have to wash your own undies!)

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

Playing rugby overseas

We have links with a wide range of fantastic Australian rugby clubs who’ll welcome you as a new member. What’s more, we’ll match you with an appropriate club so whatever your standard of rugby, you’ll be able to make the grade!

With the Mini-Season, you’ll experience the first half of the Aussie rugby season spending 12 weeks playing and partying with your club.

Club structure

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

5-7 senior men’s teams
3-4 women’s teams
3-4 U21 Colts teams
1 U19 team

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 with many elite young players competing in the leagues.

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.

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 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. Many clubs also arrange pre-season tours - a great chance to get to know your team-mates 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 a much improved player.

…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 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!

Book your place

Request a brochure

Download a summary