The London Irish Academy, licensed since 2001, is the cornerstone of our development program and future success at London Irish RUFC.
We provide our young players with an environment in which they can grow, express themselves both personally and professionally and realize their dream of becoming Premiership and International Rugby Players. With graduates such as Delon Armitage, Topsy Ojo and Nick Kennedy, the record of success of our athletes is second to none.
At London Irish, we value attitude, commitment, integrity, and honesty as highly as we do rugby ability. We have assembled an experienced team of coaches, technical experts and supports staff who all specialise in player development. In the program, particular focus is paid to core skills and game awareness but also includes physiology, sports psychology, nutrition and personal development.
Academy Mission Statement
- To identify, recruit ad develop, from all sources, the most talented young players and bring them through the Academy into the 1st XV squad.
- To adopt a comprehensive recruitment policy in Berkshire, Hampshire and the Sunbury area.
- To provide top class coaching by qualified staff to give each Academy player the best opportunity to succeed.
- To provide the most appropriate individual player development, mentoring and support programs.
- To provide the most appropriate competitive program for each player and to constantly review performance in training and matches.
- To provide the best possible facilities for our players to succeed.
- To provide the opportunity for Academy players to continue in Further or higher Education.
- To build good working relationships with schools, SSC’s. Colleges and Universities.
- To teach responsibility, discipline and respect for themselves and the game.
- To set high standards for integrity, honesty and performance.
Below is an outline of how this will be achieved:
