The UQ Rugby Academy (UQRA) braved bitter weather conditions and blizzards to promote rugby education during a recent coaching tour of the United States and Canada.
UQRA Head Coach Zane Hilton and former Wallaby James Holbeck returned to West Point Military Academy to assist the rugby program as the college rugby side took on three Super League teams from the country’s top men’s division.
Taking a holistic approach to rugby education by running both coach and player sessions, Hilton said it was rewarding to see the progression made by the team.
“The hospitality offered by Rich Pohlidal and the team at West Point was fabulous and it was really pleasing to see a definite improvement in the standard of rugby there,” Hilton said.
“It’s a long term process and by assisting in the development of their program I’m sure West Point will achieve their goal of competing very well at the USA College Playoffs in April.”
The UQRA duo then moved onto Boston for a coach and player development camp which attracted over 40 players and coaches from all levels including Harvard, South Shore Rugby Club and a number of high schools.
Despite being snowed in on the first day, the Academy battled freezing conditions on the second day to focus on core skills development and skill acquisition.
Harvard rugby Head Coach David Gonzales was glowing in his praise of the sessions.
“I just wish you didn’t share the camp with the other teams in the country, especially my competitors,” Gonzales said.
“The UQRA team is highly knowledgeable and professional, providing a fully comprehensive rugby education.”
After their time in America, The UQRA ventured to Canada for the final leg of the tour.
Ontario Rugby Head coach Jim Flynn was integral in instigating the coach education camps at Peterborough and Mentor College which proved to be highly successful.
The 70 coaches who fought their way through the weather were rewarded with two separate days of classes covering defensive and attack frameworks, core skill development, mental toughness and scrum and lineout work.
“Rugby Ontario would like to thank both Zane and James from the UQRA for the two days of very informed and practical information they presented,” Flynn said.
Back on Australian soil, Mr Hilton and Mr Holbeck are now turning their attention to The University of Queensland Rugby Club but have plans to return to North America at the end of the season.
For more information on UQRA camps contact Academy CEO David Muir on 0402 967 966 or david.muir@uqsport.uq.edu.au
Media: James Rigby at UQ SPORT (07 3346 9618, jamesr@uqsport.uq.edu.au)
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