New Academy League

Friday 3rd August 2012

Dear All,

I wanted to inform you of the rationale behind the introduction of a Regional Academy U18 competition, which will be played for the first time during the 2012/13 season. It has for some time been recognised that it would be beneficial for the very best players at this age group to play against each other more often.

We do however understand the difficulties in finding an appropriate competition at a time in the season which causes the least disruption to other programmes. These concerns have been raised and were extensively discussed at Community Game Board. This communication will seek to address those concerns, outline details of the programme and the review process that will follow.

Landscape

Quality of competition is widely acknowledged as a key component of player development. We are currently the only major rugby nation where the best U18s do not play against each other. Other nations have regional or provincial teams and the likes of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa additionally organise high quality competitions that see the best schools compete against each other. For this reason, the quality of playing programmes for academy players 16-18 has for some time been identified as a key area of weakness in our player development system.

Recommendations

A programme of six academy U18s matches has been organised for 2012-13. Academies have been divided into two pools of seven and will compete in six matches from mid-December to mid-February. It is intended that these matches will not conflict with the winter term school fixtures or England U18s representative matches. While up to three of the dates fall within school vacations, clashes with some school activities is almost inevitable and should be resolved via dialogue between key stakeholders.

Player Data

Nationally, the Academies engage some 340 players aged U17-18. This cohort of Elite Player Development Group (EPDG) and England Academy Players (EAP) will be supported by players in the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) programmes which together will form match day academy squads for these academy matches. Furthermore, it is permissible that matchday squads include up to three U19s who have been identified to benefit from this level of competition.

Player Management

All academies will consult with schools and parents and will manage the commitments of players on an individual basis. In all circumstances the best interests of the young player should be central to the decision-making process.

Review Process

It is planned that on conclusion of these matches a full review of the programme be conducted. This will engage all key stakeholders in the feedback process and assess the impact. 2

We are aware of the very real concerns that there are in the game in relation to this competition, and we will ensure that the players’ programmes are managed on an individual basis. Clearly the review at the end of the first year will be key to understanding the impact on the players and other stakeholders in the game.

If there are any individual concerns please do not hesitate to contact your Regional Academy Manager who will liaise with Alun Powell, RFU Elite Player Development Manager.

Thank you for your understanding in this very important area of player development.

Best wishes,

Rob Andrew

Professional Rugby Director

Rugby Football Union
AND

Regional Academy U18 competition Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the competition?

The quality of playing programmes has been identified as a key area of weakness in our system and it is hoped this initiative will make a positive impact on talent development in England.

There will be no trophy, grand final or even overall winner. Instead, the purpose of these matches will be to provide a learning and development opportunity for players in the academy system. Secondly, these matches will provide an environment to assess the abilities and potential of players to progress within both the academy and England age-grade pathway.

How was this competition developed?

Following discussions with Regional Academy Managers in August 2011 it was unanimously felt a competitive programme for the best 16-18 year olds was required. The Professional Game Board (PGB) Player Performance Group appointed a sub-group of RFU and PRL staff to devise and plan a competition programme that would:

a) Provide the leading domestic talent development opportunity for England Academy Scholars and

b) A competitive talent confirmation opportunity for EPDG and AASE players.

c) Consider implications on key stakeholders

The proposals of this group, which form the basis of this competition, were accepted by the PGB Player Performance Group in January 2012.

When will the matches be held?

These matches will seek to replace existing sporting activity rather than add to the programme. Thus, matches will be played on Saturday afternoons and six matches will be organised from seven dates:

Round 1 15th December 2012

Round 2 22nd December 2012

Round 3 12th January 2013

Round 4 19th January 2013

Round 5 2nd February 2013

Round 6 9th February 2013

Round 7 16th February 2013

What age grouping are the matches?

Matches will be under 18s but up to three under 19s may be included. When a player has reaches their 19th birthday they are no longer permitted to be selected.

How many players are likely to be involved in the six match competition?

Each Regional Academy’s playing squad is expected to be approximately 30-35

Where will these players be drawn from?

Feedback from the academies suggest squads for the six match competition will typically be comprised of:

- 38% Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE)

- 50% Elite Player Development Group (EPDG)

- 12% U19s

Will these matches disrupt school sport during this period?

EPDG players are likely to form half the playing squads and will be drawn from over one hundred schools nationally. Most schools concerned will have 1-2 players involved and only twelve schools are expected to have four or more players involved in the programme.

Will players from outside the academy system be drawn into these matches?

Only one academy (Harlequins) has indicated that they will draw players from outside their existing academy EPDG programme. Others will only do so in the event of an unforeseen run of injuries.

Will these matches result in significantly greater training commitments?

In almost all cases match preparation will be done in existing EPDG sessions (rather than additional sessions). Some EPDG sessions may however be rescheduled to bring different geographic groupings together.

How will this programme of matches be communicated to players and parents?

Players and parents will be informed of these matches either at an annual EPDG induction evening at start of the season or by email.

Who will communicate with the schools?

Academies are currently in the process of contacting each school from which players will be drawn. Academy staff will be able to identify which players they wish to participate and begin a process of dialogue to ascertain availability.

Matches clash with exam commitments – what do I do?

All academies are committed to developing the individual and their educational attainment is key to this. If a parent, player or school master is concerned that these matches place a strain on the individuals learning then they should contact their Academy Manager.

A match clashes with another commitment – what do I do?

Match dates have been selected to avoid clashes with the winter term school matches, Daily Mail commitments and the England U18s programme. However, clashes with school sport or other commitments are inevitable. In this event you should contact the Academy Manager to discuss.

What format will the review process take?

The Professional Game Board Player Performance Group (PGB PPG) will develop terms of reference for the review. The group will commence at the end of match programme and will include stakeholders to represent both the professional and community game (to include RFU, PRL, Regional Academies and schools). Their findings will be reported to both PGB PPG and the Community Game Board Player Development Committee by April 2013.

If I have concerns who should I contact?

In the first instance concerns should be brought to the attention of the Academy Manager. If your concerns persist please contact Alun Powell on alunpowell@rfu.com or 07872 465429.

What is the next step?

Academies are currently in the process of consulting with schools regarding these matches and thereafter will bring the programme to the attention of players and parents. In the meantime, please consider any potential concerns and raise with the appropriate partners.