A key feeder into the senior set up and indeed the basis for future National teams is our Academy.
This has only been in existence for just over six years, but the effort that has gone into this section has already borne fruit: Aidan Beazley (Malta), Roger Cabral (Israel), and Jack Knights (Malta) have each been awarded caps as full Internationals. Additionally, Ziad El-Yabani, Killian Lopez, Mark Henwood and Rowan Humphries have all been training with the National and Development Squads since June 2014.
Academy – Land Rover U14’s, U16’ and U18’s
On the domestic front,the Academy has also coordinated the careful induction of youngsters into the local Super IV’s teams, where their development is closely monitored. Joseph Gaivizo, Harry Knights, Jack Johnson, Jamie Andrews, Chris James and Jamie Heritage are all playing regularly with their respective Super IV teams.
Other Academy successes are Dylan Dalli and Alex Hickson, both playing University rugby in UK, as well as the Thomson brothers, Brandon and Aaron, with the Exeter Chiefs Academy.
We are proud that they are all products of the Academy, having played all their rugby in and for Gibraltar.
The Academy is currently run by four coaches who coordinate U14 and U16 squads totaling some on 35 youngsters. The three-year plan has been modified, recovering from not having an U18 squad this year. The aim is to build on the good work being done in the Minis to ensure that we will be back to having 3 age squads in the Academy within 3 years, with each of the squads run by two coaches and a team manager.
While we are confident in our abilities to bring this project to fruition, this is precisely the area where Rugby Europe (the new name for FIRA) membership will be invaluable. Access to technical expertise and assistance, particularly to help in getting Rugby onto the PE curriculum in all of our schools, will prove a massive boost to the hard work already being done and will enable more young people to discover and enjoy our wonderful sport.
For those interested in playing please contact:
The GRFU Academy Coordinator, Stephen Payas via
our Facebook page: Land Rover Gibraltar Rugby U14's, U16's & U18's
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