Former Wallaby James Holbeck and ex All Black Tabai Matson will headline a host of expert coaches when the UQ Rugby Academy (UQRA) travels to America for a series of player and coach education camps next month.
The advanced clinics will be presented across four states in America’s northeast and follow the success of a similar tour last year.
Having visited Albright College for a coach development camp earlier this year, the UQRA is returning to Pennsylvania to provide an intensive four-day camp for its players.
The camp will focus on core skills development and acquisition, position-specific skills development and game scenarios for decision-making and nutrition.
On this trip, UQRA is also introducing a number of advanced (level two) coach and player courses at Rutgers University and the Boston Irish Wolfhounds.
Through a combination of the latest advancements in on-field and video-based coaching, attendees will have a unique opportunity to experience the highest level of professional coaching.
Mr Holbeck said he was excited about the prospect of returning to help develop rugby in the USA.
“I'm really looking forward to the summer tour this year to build on the work of previous trips, introduce some new ideas and continue to see the massive improvements that are being made in US rugby,” he said.
“It’s always a significant but enjoyable challenge to adopt the coaching philosophies harnessed in Australia to an overseas environment.”
Mr Holbeck said with the right coaching education and tuition, rugby in the United States could become a force to be reckoned in the coming years.
“It seems reasonable that with such a large population, the US could potentially develop into a rugby powerhouse,” he said.
“Even in our brief association with the colleges it appears that, although the players have a limited playing experience, it is possible to fast track their skill development with our appropriate facilitation and instruction.”
Media: UQRA Business Development Manager David Muir (0402 967 966, david.muir@uqsport.uq.edu.au) or visit the academy's website for further information.
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