ACADEMY IN FULL SWING

The Santa Barbara Rugby Academy is off to a flying start with over 30 players in their inaugural season. I am overwhelmed by the response” said Academy Director Kevin Battle. "We were not quite sure what to expect in our first year as far as interest, as it was an ambitious project." “We are now over subscribed and still have more transfer students set to arrive in January.

The first month of the Academy has been a busy one, as the academy players have gone through a series of academic tests, placement exams, and counseling sessions for academic achievement. Add to that the strength & conditioning tests and a rigorous 5 day-per-week training program. "We are asking a lot out of our student athletes, but that is the point," says Battle. "We are trying to set up our athletes for future success in the classroom, on the pitch, and ultimately in life."

USA Referee manager Ed Todd has arranged for the Academy to partake in the referee’s course as a part of their rugby development. 22 Academy players received their referee’s certification this past weekend administered by Southern California referee Mark Kottke. “It’s about improving their rugby IQ” says Battle. “We want our athletes to broaden their scope of the game.” “Besides, we will all stop playing rugby eventually, but that doesn’t mean we can’t stay involved with the game.” “Getting these young guys certified at an earlier age just opens more doors for them, not to mention, they are know the laws of the game!”

The Academy has a broad line-up of expert technical coaches as well. The Academy recently played host to Australian Rugby League’s Damien Hill, kicking coach for the Newcastle Knights. Former Maori All-Blacks assistant Jim Love will visit for the week of October 5th and USA great Luke Gross is visiting at the end of October for a line-out clinic

Next up for the academy is an opening match against the New Zealand Institute of Sport on Sept 30th.