Rugby component

Based at Eden Park stadium (15 minutes by bus from the City Campus), the Auckland Rugby Academy delivers this innovative development programme which can be incorporated into a Study Abroad semester at the University of Auckland.

Example weekly timetable

The table below shows a typical weekly timetable for the rugby component of the programme.

Each day, you would choose 1 morning session and 1 afternoon session to fit around your academic schedule. Friday sessions vary each week and could include conditioning sessions, haka practice or games.

  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Morning session 1 Prehab & weights
9.30-11am
Speed
9-10am
Prehab & weights
9.30-11am
Prehab & weights
9.30-11am
Morning session 2 Prehab & weights
11am-12.30pm
Speed
9-10am
Prehab & weights
11am-12.30pm
Prehab & weights
11am-12.30pm
Afternoon session Technical session
1.30-3pm
Technical session
1.30-3pm
Technical session
1.30-3pm
Technical session
1.30-3pm

The rugby timetable can be flexible - it’s OK to miss a session or two if that will enable you to enrol in your preferred academic courses. Most academic courses also allow some flexibility and offer various options for tutorials and labs. Remember to allow for travelling and changing time.

All locations are easily accessible by bus from the City Campus. For more information see Transport in Auckland.

Programme content

Core training

  • Technical training:
    • Focus on both generic core and position-specific skills.
    • Specific skill development (scrum, lineout, kicking etc).
  • Tactical training:
    • Understanding the game, both position- and team-specific. Adhering to game plans, and understanding tactical analysis.
  • Strength & Conditioning:
    • Your programme will be tailored to you and your position, with a focus on maintaining strengths, improving weaknesses, and improving body composition.
    • Fundamental movement patterns – squat, hip hinge, push, pull, single leg.
    • Speed – body position, running mechanics.
    • Conditioning – aerobic and anaerobic capacity, modified conditioning games.

Assessment and off-field components

  • Full assessment process:
    • First week focuses on testing your current skill and fitness level, in order to tailor an appropriate training programme specific to your individual needs.
    • Prior to your arrival in New Zealand, the Auckland Rugby Academy can liaise with your current coach to ensure a seamless transition.
  • Nutrition:
    • Optimisation of diet and hydration for maximum performance.
  • Medical Support:
    • Diagnostic and treatment services on site at Eden Park.
  • High Performance Report:
    • A comprehensive formal report to be presented prior to departure including critical work on areas and programme options (translated to language of choice).

Extras

  • Match Tickets:
    • Match tickets will be provided for all home games for the Blues and Auckland Rugby Mitre 10 games.
  • Canterbury Clothing Apparel:
    • Training apparel is provided. The extent of what is received will be determined by the programme length.
  • Club placement: (March – July only):
    • Players allocated to senior grade Auckland clubs for playing experience. 
  • Franchise and ARU Interface:
    • Players may be scheduled to train alongside our franchise and elite Auckland Rugby High Performance players.
       

Session locations

  • Prehab & weights - Eden Park High Performance Centre, Entry C - Walters Rd, Mt Eden see map
  • Speed - Lovelock Track: 769 Sandringham Road, Mt Roskill see map
  • Technical sessions - Auckland Grammar School: 54 Mountain Road, Epsom see map