Although rugby academies are a much-discussed and sometimes controversial matter in South Africa, there are still several institutions that manage to operate these much-needed institutions successfully.

If run correctly, a rugby academy can become the ideal home for school leavers who are serious about their rugby career, but have not been absorbed into the mainstream through the existing channels. The ideal rugby academy will then not only offer this player opportunities on the field, but also ensure that he is prepared and equipped for life away from the rugby field after his rugby career ended.

There are already clubs in Pretoria that run a rugby academy with success, but for others it has been difficult until now to get involved in real success structures.

The Harlequins rugby club recently announced that from 2023 they will join hands with UXI Sport to build a new rugby academy based on the unique and proven concept of this group.

The club will work with the Brooks and Bands rugby conditioning and coaching specialists and UXi Sport to operate the Harlequins International Rugby Institute (HIRI).

It is believed that this new institute will make a significant impact on the u.20 and u.21 rugby landscape of South-Africa and specifically in the Pretoria Region.

During the launch of this institute, it was also announced that the club’s current head coach, Gert Mulder, will be the Head of Institute and Program Manager, while veterans such as Jannie Brooks (strength and conditioning coach), Richard Bands as (specialist forwards coach) will also be involved.

UXi Sport is a division of UXi Pty (Ltd) and is the current operations partner of the Cheetahs Institute of Excellence, Western Province Rugby Academies, Puma Rugby Institute, Griquas Rugby Institute and the North-West Rugby Academy. More details available on their website by www.uxisport.co.za .

The curriculum offering for 2023 will include three different rugby program options: “Pro-Player” High Performance Rugby; “Semi-Pro” Total Rugby Development Program; and a variety of Rugby Careers including Rugby Coach, Strength & Conditioning Coach and Video & Game Analyst/Performance Coach.

The academic offerings will be extended to Artisan Trades (ASV), Agriculture (ASV), Marketing and Business (IMM), and various Sports and Fitness qualifications (HFPA) from 2023.

“We are passionate about the development and employability of the youth in South Africa. Through this initiative with the Harlequins Rugby Club and ‘Brooks and Bands’, UXi Sport will contribute to the upliftment of communities, creating better South African citizens that will be the future leaders and business owners in the economy,” said Thea Miller, UXi Sport C.O.O.

The Executives of the Harlequins Rugby Club and ‘Brooks and Bands’ recognize the increasing need for raw talent identification and the development of rugby as a sport.  The development of talent that haven’t been contracted or had opportunities at Provincial or national level and those with and without university exemption, will be a priority focus.

The Harlequins Rugby Club objectives are to develop rugby players through this Institute, as well as address the shortage of coaches, referees, and unique skills development (video and game analysts, project managers, club administrator/managers) in the rugby world locally and nationally.

For any enquiries, call Gert Mulder on 082-4466-746 or by email at gert@rugbycoach.pro

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