As an officially recognized NDP, each program has demonstrated the ability to offer an ongoing sports development program for athletes between the ages of 12 and 25. Programs seek to improve players’ and coaches’ capability to compete for places in college rugby, elite club rugby, professional rugby, and/or USA Rugby National Team programs. All organizations are independently operated, function as a supplement to the club environment and collaborate with the union’s High Performance Pathways department.
EIRA offers a range of opportunities from player identification clinics to core academies operating in various locations around the country. In addition, EIRA operates representative invitational teams and international tours as well as providing coach development opportunities.
The Free Jacks Academy is a comprehensive system to better identify, up-skill, and develop rugby athletes in New England at the high school, college, and club levels, while providing additional participation opportunities at youth levels. As a dedicated pathway to Major League Rugby in New England, the Academy provides girls and boys regular development, identification and competition to progress locally and to international and professional opportunities.
Panther Rugby Academy, emerging from the USA South Youth/u19 programs that have been operated for many years, is a performance rugby program operating throughout the Southeastern United States that develops athletes by focusing on Education in sport culture & connections with collegiate rugby; Development of rugby skills and experience; and Success by competing at a high level & pursuing meaningful life experiences.
Rhinos Rugby Academy provides high-performance rugby, strength, conditioning, speed and agility training as well as high-level competition for rugby players pursuing opportunities with USA National Teams, college rugby, and professional clubs.
For over 20 years The Loggers have served as a development platform for aspiring boys and girls playing rugby in the Pacific Northwest. Through a history of cooperative relationships and match exchanges in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia, we represent a continuous, player-centric pathway for young people to grow and develop towards the highest levels of rugby, and the realization of their full human potential.
For questions regarding NDP verification and benchmarks, please contact Brendan Keane at bkeane@usa.rugby