The 2015/16 intake has been very encouraging. The junior and senior academy trial players that have been taking part in the pre-season trial period from the 8th of July to end of August and the coaches have been busy developing the players in this period but also assessing strengths, weaknesses and potential 1st XV players.
Elite Academy Players & Sponsorship
At the end of last season a number of released Premiership Elite Academy players and a few others were invited to a trial session with the club and from that group a number of players were invited to the 1st XV pre-season on a trial. With the pro squad completing pre-season some of the young players on trial have been awarded Elite Academy places at the club and will be training full time. They will all be revealed soon and we hope to add to the list. For the club to be able to do that we welcome individual sponsorship for academy players. Contact the office if you are interested in helping the future of the club and these academy players. Thank you in advance.
The academy is sponsored by Spire Healthcare and Friends of Scottish Rugby and is actively attracting more sponsorship for the seasons ahead.
Academy Team Management
Academy Director & Head Coach: Corné du Rand
Lead Coach: Louise Meadows
Junior Academy Lead Coach: George Swinburne
Junior Academy Assistant Coach: Ross Doneghan
Other Coaching resource: 1st XV players will part with their knowledge through regular sessions.
Team Manager: James Collins-Clark
Junior Academy Team Manager: Euan Ferguson
Head Physio: Sophie Thompson
Strength & Conditioning: Matt Long
Pre-Season & Fixtures
The Academy had a pre-season game against Bedford Academy away at U19 level and for most part of the 3 x 30 minutes played, was in control and was leading 14-5. But the last 15 minutes saw Bedford breaking through to win the game 24-14, as a result of lack of concentration in defence. A lot was learned especially on the new players in the programme.
Next up was Ealing Trailfinders Academy U23 on Saturday 29th of August. The Junior Academy was supposed to play against Ealing as well but unfortunately Ealing did not have a full squad available so their game will be postponed to later in the year, and possibly to the 20th of September as an exhibition game at the RWC fan zone at Old Deer Park.
The Rampant Lions (Senior Academy) took a 28 man squad and again played a format of 3 x 30 minutes at Wasps old training ground in Acton.
Training
Both the Senior and Junior Academies have been training Mondays and Wednesdays from 17:00 till 20:45 in pre-season and from the 21st of September the Junior Academy will only train on Wednesdays and then join their age groups after the academy session while the senior academy will continue to train on both nights.
Applications
To apply please contact us via email on academy@londonscottish.com
