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Auckland Rugby's High Performance Academy is a leading edge development programme for talented young rugby players aspiring to become professionals.
The High Performance Academy is based at the Unitec Campus in Mt Albert and is set up to provide a formal training environment for school leavers and leading young club players.
The players train alongside the Auckland ITM Cup and Blues Super Rugby teams.
The programme provides the education and training opportunities for these players to fulfill their potential in rugby and in life. It is shaped by the NZRU 6 pillar development model which focuses on Technical, Tactical, Physical, Nutrition, Mental Skills and Holistic Leadership development.
The Programme
The focus of the programme is to prepare the players for the next stage of their rugby careers (ITM Cup and ultimately Super Rugby and All Blacks). The NZRU 6 Pillar Development Model provides some critical benchmarks for the players to work towards and all players are required to have Individual Performance Plans.
There is a strong holistic approach throughout the two year programme, recognising the need to develop the players, both on and off the field.
Nutrition, Mental Skills, and Personal and Professional Development are integrated in with the on-field development, to ensure that when the progression to professional rugby takes place, the players have the knowledge, tools and confidence to perform at that level.
All players are required to undertake meaningful work or study during their involvement with the High Performance Academy, which is endorsed by the New Zealand rugby players Collective Employment Agreement.
The People
Players
| 2011 Rookies |
2011 Year 2s |
| Albert Nikoro |
Ben Lam |
| Bryn Hall |
Charles Piutau* |
| Gafatasi Su’a |
Francis Saili |
| Jake Heenan |
George Moala |
| Jarrod Firth |
Howard Sililoto |
| Jordan Lay |
Iopu Iopu |
| Jordan Payne |
Joseph Tupe |
| Junior Va’a Tofa |
Matt Matich |
| Malakai Fekitoa |
Nathan Hughes |
| Michigan Lam |
Nathan Vella |
| Milford Keresoma |
Piers Francis |
| Ofa Tu’ungafasi |
Sam Henwood |
| Sean Brookman |
Scott Bracey |
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Steven Luatua* |
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Tino Nemani |
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Wayne Ngaluafe |
* Already played ITM Cup for Auckland
Management
Led by Auckland High Performance Manager – Ant Strachan
Strength and Conditioning - Johnny Claxton and Brad Anderson
Nutrition – Tracy Kirkcaldy
Mental Skills – Tom Patrick
Professional Development – Ben Meyer
Physiotherapist – William Geel
The Pathway
Players are contracted to the High Performance Academy on Provincial Union Development Contracts for a period of two years. Some will be promoted to the Auckland ITM Cup squad in their first year, with the intention of promoting all players to the ITM Cup level by the end of their two years. Along the way players are also striving to make the New Zealand Under 20 side to contest the annual Junior Rugby World Cup.
There is a strong emphasis on ensuring players understand the expectations of what they are aspiring to and have a clear understanding on how they are going to achieve their goals. It is tough and involves a considerable amount of hard work, commitment, discipline, honesty and passion. Characteristics that are driven from the values of the Auckland Rugby Football Union.
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