Rugby Union

Nominations are currently closed

Register Your Interest

The SSA Rugby Union program is delivered in partnership with Brumbies ACT Rugby and the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) network.

This program provides a high‑performance development pathway for talented young Rugby Union players, focusing on technical skills, strength and conditioning, athlete education, and personal growth. 

Athletes receive targeted skill development, seasonal training support, and preparation for high‑performance tournaments. The program includes practical education in areas such as S&C, nutrition, sports psychology and injury management, along with opportunities to represent SSA at events, inter‑academy sessions and camps.

Program Partners

Brumbies Rugby Logo
Total Ag Solutions Logo

Selected athletes receive:

  • High‑quality coaching in a squad environment
  • Access to quality training facilities
  • Strength & Conditioning assessment and programming
  • Sports science testing and high‑performance training support
  • Opportunities to represent SSA at events
  • Education in technical, tactical, and personal Hockey development
  • Academy uniform kit (additional cost)
  • Participation in Your Local Club Academy Games and other Inter-Academy events
 

Additional SSA benefits:

  • Access to Lumin (Academy athlete performance and management platform)
  • Support for award and scholarship nominations
  • Community engagement and corporate partner exposure
  • Promotion through SSA media channels

Program Eligibility Criteria

Athletes must:

  • Be turning 16 and under in 2027 (U/16s)
  • Be committed to progressing to higher representation within Rugby Union.
  • Be a registered member of a Rugby club.
  • Reside in one of the following LGAs: Albury, Balranald, Berrigan, Carrathool, Coolamon, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Edward River, Federation, Greater Hume, Griffith, Hay, Hilltops, Junee, Leeton, Lockhart, Murray River, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera, Snowy Valleys, Temora, Wagga Wagga, Wentworth

An athlete scholarship levy of $500 + GST applies and covers the program benefits outlined above, along with a range of additional athlete development opportunities throughout the season.

Uniform costs are additional, with Rugby‑specific and SSA items purchased through the official supplier.

Additional event costs may also apply throughout the season.

The athlete levy contributes towards the overall cost of delivering the Academy programs. Within our high performance programs are items including: 
 
  • Coaching*
  • Access to training facilities*
  • Strength & Conditioning assessments and programming*
  • Sports science testing*
  • Access to Academy Games* (relevant sports/age groups only)
  • Insurance
* Please note, Items marked with an Asterix are components supported through NSW Government grant funding. The grant contribution from the NSW government is limited to costs and activities identified in the approved Project Plan. The remaining portion of the athlete levy contributes towards costs associated with delivering and administering the Academy that are not covered by the NSW Government grant funding.

Program Delivery Period