Former Australian Rugby Union (Wallabies) players Fletcher Dyson and Nick Stiles headlined an intensive three day camp for US players at Arizona State University from January 6-8.
The former internationals were part of a three man coaching contingent from The University of Queensland Rugby Academy in Australia, which travelled to Arizona to pass on their international expertise.
Dyson and Stiles were joined by UQ Rugby Academy Director and former Australian Capital Territory Brumbies Academy Manager Nick Leah.
More than 70 US players, including the US Military Acadmey’s West Point team, took part in the camp which delivered a balance of sports science and high level practical coaching.
Before the trip Stiles, who has followed his playing career with coaching stints in Australia and Japan, said the three day camp in Arizona would deliver the latest advancements in on-field and video based coaching.
“Players and coaches will be able to acquire all the latest information on technical, tactical and decision making aspects of the game,” Stiles said.
“Combine this with the latest sports science information specific to rugby union and it is going to be a great experience for those attending the camp.”
Dyson, who played every Test for Australia in the highly-successful 2000 season which reaped the Bledisloe Cup and a maiden Tri-Nations title, said before the camp that he was looking forward to assisting the game to develop in the US.
“This camp provides an opportunity for US players to take their game to a new level,” Dyson said.
“The program and coaching staff we have put together for this camp are focused on providing cutting edge information and complete development of the players.
“A report outlining the results of our tests, including recommendations for future development, and position specific strength and conditioning programs will be provided to each player at the end of the camp.”
The UQ Rugby Academy’s emphasis on a total rugby education provided players with a strong sports science element throughout the three day camp.
Physiological testing of players was done during the camp and additional sports science education delivered across nutrition, psychology, recovery and strength and conditioning.
The UQ Rugby Academy has been established to provide world class coaching and rugby education for players and coaches both in Australia and abroad.
Media: For more information, contact Rowan Foster - Ph: +61 413 304 804 or rowanf@uqsport.uq.edu.au (In Phoenix from 01/04/06) or Nick Leah – Ph: +61 410 574 030.
