Santa Barbara Rugby Academy

Academy wins Long Beach Tourney

2010-11-14T21:57:00.000-08:00

see highlights below...

Academy Pre-Season Training 2010

2010-10-29T13:57:00.001-07:00

Take a Bow!

2010-06-16T18:11:00.000-07:00

The Academy Represents

The inaugural season for the Santa Barbara finished with a 13-3-1 record and several players recognized with higher honors. Leading the list is Fly Half Andrew Jackson who was selected again for the USA U-20 National Team that competed this past weekend in Denver.

Andrew Jackson with USA U-20s (kneeling, 7th from the left)

USA U-20s

Andrew Jackson Flyhalf

Jose Valadez Prop

SoCal Griffins Collegiate All-Stars

Matt Petrini Lock

SoCal Griffins U-19s

Max Robin Fly-Half

Yann Artero Scrum Half

Matt Weber Wing

Alex Bercovici Lock

NZ Sports Academy Rotorua

Yann Artero Scrum Half

Travis Benson Scrum Half

Rob Corsi Hooker

great ad for Rugby

2010-05-13T11:41:00.001-07:00

keepin your pallet moist!

2010-05-05T12:01:00.001-07:00

Academy tops UCLA 18-10

2010-03-04T11:24:00.000-08:00

Half-back Kyle "Sunshine" Cronin looks for space

Captain Rob Corsi on the attack

6'7" lock Alex Becovici goes low

#8 Pua Tomasi on the sizes up the opposition

Academy continues to roll

2010-02-27T12:42:00.000-08:00

The Academy was victorious over the Arizona JV side 48-3 in monsoon-like conditions. 5 quick tries and 3 conversions by flyhalf Andy Jackson in the first stanza set the tempo as the Academy went into halftime up 31-3. The second half was more of the same, as the Academy, led by stellar #8 Pua Tomasi notched 3 more tires and a conversion to round out the 60 minute contest.

Something to wet your pallett...

2010-02-25T11:39:00.001-08:00

Victory over the Bruins

2010-02-16T14:18:00.000-08:00

The Academy has contiuned on their winning ways, defeating the determined Boys of Westwood, the UCLA Bruins 18-7. More to follow...

Academy highlights from Cal Poly & Arizona

2010-02-03T11:05:00.000-08:00

Back on Track

2010-02-01T10:29:00.000-08:00

After a narrow loss to Cal Poly Bs, the Academy got back on track with a 48-10 pounded of the Arizona JV in Tucson. More info to come...

All Hail Rugby

2010-01-28T12:17:00.000-08:00

With the recent release of Invictus, rugby is beginning to make some headlines. Read more

Coach Battle with members of the Springbok 7s

Rugby Epic

2010-01-20T10:39:00.001-08:00

Academy over San Diego State B's

2010-01-19T11:25:00.000-08:00

The Academy defeated the San Diego St. B side 29-3 this past friday night. more details to follow...

Best of 2009

2010-01-18T11:56:00.001-08:00

Academy get's a lesson from National Champs

2010-01-16T11:59:00.000-08:00

The Academy traveled to Las Vegas this past weekend to square off against the defending National Champion BYU Cougars. The Academy competed quite well, although the 50-5 scoreline might suggest otherwise.

Mistakes in our own half translated into points for the Cougars. Let's just say we had more than a few.

At the Academy, we are commited to challenging ourselves, which means pitting ourselves against the the best teams in the country. We look forward to the annual event against BYU, and learning from the experience.

Sophmore Lock Matt Petrini wins the battle for the skies

Freshmen #8 Pua Tomasi on the attack

Freshmen Flanker Tommy Bashara introduces himself

Freshmen Prop Morgan "No Spin" Frothingham looks for support

Winter camp a huge success!

2010-01-11T11:54:00.000-08:00

Winter camp this year was a tremendous success. Camp participants included the Academy, UCSB 1st & 2nd teams, UCSB Women, along with the USA U-18s, USA U-20s, New Zealand University U-21s and the Canadain U-17 National Teams!

Here are some photo highlights:

The staff: (from left to right) Trevor McGreal, Darrell Shelford, Bruno Artero, Jim Love, Kevin Battle, John Neale

Travis Benson on the attack

Clash of the Titains:
Petrini vs. Bercovici

Pua Scores!

US u-18s vs Canada

2009-12-21T18:33:00.001-08:00

The Acadmey vs Oregons St. Highlights!

Sianara 2009!

2009-12-17T14:53:00.000-08:00

EOYT 2009 from guetteba on Vimeo.

Winter Camp Details

2009-12-15T12:42:00.000-08:00

I know you have all been eagerly anticipating this year’s winter camp schedule. Well here it is!

We have an exciting line-up of guest coaches. Out of respect for our team and our guests, we ask that you:

a) Arrive at the pitch with boots on at least 15 minutes prior to the start of your session

b) Dress in full team practice kit for each session (team shorts, socks & jersey). Those not in team gear will be sent home.

c) Fully attentive an “switched on” for training!

It is imperative that each of you is present. Please send me an email to me & the group stating your commitment to being here!

Monday 28th

8am-10am Academy

10am-Noon UCSB Men

10am-Noon UCSB Women

2pm-3:30pm Academy/UCSB Men

3pm-4:30pm UCSB Women

Tuesday 29th

8am-10am UCSB Men

10am-Noon ACADEMY

10am-Noon UCSB Women

2pm-3:30pm Academy/UCSB Men

3pm-4:30pm UCSB Women

Wednesday 30th

8am-10am UCSB Women

10am-Noon UCSB Men

10am-Noon ACADEMY

2pm-3:30pm UCSB Women

3pm-4:30pm Academy/UCSB Men

Thursday 31st

9am- 11am UCSB Men/Academy

10am-Noon UCSBWomen

Friday New Years Day

1pm USA vs. Canada (U-18s)

3pm UCS vs. NZ Universities (U-20s)

Saturday Jan 2

a.m. – Optional session

p.m. -Montecito Peak Challenge

Sunday Jan 3

1pm USA vs Canada (U-18s)

3pm USA vs NZ Universities (U-20s)

*All training will be at Rob Field unless told otherwise!

Winter Break - Winter Camp

2009-12-15T11:35:00.000-08:00

The Academy is on a much derserved break for Christmas. However, no rest for the weary, we will be back for camp begining December 27th! More to come...

Photos Academy vs St. Mary's 11-22-09

2009-11-24T15:03:00.000-08:00

This past weekend the performed admirably defeating Oregon St 35-7 before losing a tight contest to St Mary's B 29-31.

Prop Jose Valadez demanded constant attention from the opposition.

Out-side Center Travis Benson scores his first of 3 tries on the weekend.

Halfback Yann Artero finds space behind the defense

Fullback Nate Trefethen again eludes the defense

Flyhalf Max Robin finds his support

ACADEMY IN FULL SWING

2009-09-29T11:49:00.000-07:00

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.

Full-time Rugby Development Program

2009-06-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

~ Ages 17-24 (SEPT-MAY) ~

Each weekday afternoon from 3:30- 5:00 professional coaches deliver the SB Academy Rugby Development Program to a group of 30 young athletes.
* Individual Positional & Skills Training (latest rugby techniques & systems)
* Unit & Team Training (team & attack defense)
* Fitness, strength & speed training
* Tactics & psychology (game plan, motivation, focus & pre-match preparation)
* Live Rugby games (participation with UCSB Gauchos & SB Grunions Rugby Football Club
* Level I Referee (year 1) and Level II Coaching Certificate (year 2)

~ EDUCATION PROGRAM ~

Enrollment in Santa Barbara City College with the intent to transfer to a four-year institution

2010 Rugby Development Summer Camps

2009-05-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

Spend five days living at the beautiful University of California, Santa Barbara campus and developing rugby skills with international and professional coaches.

Learn the latest rugby skills and tactics in a safe, fun environment. Nightly seminars in academic preparation, nutrition, strength and conditioning and drug awareness.

Join us this summer and experience rugby--and Santa Barbara--at its finest!

Ages: 14 - 18
> July 22-25

Cost: $495 overnight/$375-commuter (includes rugby jersey, room & board, training, and local recreational activities)

Download camp registration form here: Registration Form

All lodging and meals will be provided by UCSB's Fountaine Bleau Dorms. Located just two blocks from the UCSB campus and close to bike paths and downtown Isla Vista's shops and outdoor cafes, Fountaine Bleau is also a short walk from many beautiful parks and beaches.

Typical Day at Summer Camp

2009-05-18T05:23:00.000-07:00

• 7:30am - Wake Up
• 8:00am - Breakfast
• 9:00am - Meeting
• 9:30am - Clinic (Example: Kicking, Speed & Agility,)
• 10:30am - Training
• 1:00pm - Lunch
• 3:00pm - Seminar (Example: Conditioning, Nutrition, College Prep)
• 4:00pm - Training
• 6:30pm - Dinner
• 8:00pm - Technical Meeting/Camp Activity
• 10:30pm - Room Check
• 11:00pm - Lights Out

You can download camp forms here: Camp Registration Form

Meet the Coaches

2009-05-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

KEVIN BATTLE Director, Santa Barbara Rugby Academy

Kevin has been head coach of the University of California, Santa Barbara rugby team since 2000. He has served numerous appointments within USA Rugby as coach, manager, and selector for the Collegiate All-Americans, USA Falcons, USA Hawks, Men's National Team Sevens and 2009 Sevens World Cup. He has worked with college level and professional athletes around the world and directed local rugby programs for children. He lives in Santa Barbara with his wife Sarah and their two children.

JIM LOVE Director, New Zealand Sports Academy

Jim is a former Maori All Black Assistant Coach, Tongan Rugby World Cup Coach and former Maori All Black player. His vision to create a unique sports and career training program for aspiring sports professionals resulted in the establishment of the New Zealand Sports Academy in 1999. Jim is currently coaching Arix Viadana in Italy, winners of the Italian Cup (May 2007).