As part of our Year 12/13 Academy reviews we interviewed several Academy coaches. We conclude the review of the Rugby Academy options by talking to Sam Marshall-Davies who heads the BCA Rugby Academy and their rather unique approach they take for their rugby academy players.
Sam, how and when did you start playing rugby?
I started playing rugby quite late by todays standards when I was at University (Lancaster). I tried it simply as something new and a different option. I soon fell in love with the game as it was for all shapes and sizes and the togetherness lit a real passion for me. While at Uni I gained my Level 1 coaching badge as I wanted to share. After Lancaster University I obtained a role at the RFU working in operations and soon joined Harlequins Ladies. While there I set up and coached the girls academy and also coached at the Boys academy and at Surrey county. I then gained my Level 2 and worked in a more regional capacity whilst gaining my L3 coaching badge. During this time I also coached at High Wycombe in a dual head coach role for the Men’s 1st XV. I progressed with the England RFU as National Development Managers for Women’s Rugby. I then moved away for rugby for a period heading up a National Development Programme for Golf. Finally, I moved back to rugby and became the Head of Rugby at BCA in 2015 so almost 6 years in the current role.
What is the set-up like at BCA Rugby Academy?
BCA Academy work with Jack Heald Coaching to provide the majority of the coaching for the BCA Academy. Our priority is to develop players but to ensure they maximise game time and so allow them to play for their clubs and county. We have many examples of this over the seasons (see below). We focus on skills vs fixtures and supporting skill gaps so that they can carry this forward into their rugby at the University, College or Club that they move onto.
On the BCA site we have five (5) multi use pitches, one permanent Rugby pitch, one cardio and one weight gym onsite. Our yearly intake is typically between 10-15 players (Year 12) so have a typical squad of 30 players in the BCA rugby Academy. As we offer multiple vocational courses we are also able to accommodate students/players who are taking vocational subjects whilst providing the with rugby options. Examples of these courses including; Public/Protective Services (Police, Fire Service, Paramedics, Rescue, Military), Motor Vehicle, Sports Studies, Media Production, Business Services, Horticulture, Animal Management etc. which many students do not realise that can take while also playing rugby.
Our staff (session based unless stated) include;
| ROLE | STAFF & SUPPORT |
| Head Coach | Cam Ruddock (ex Cambridge RFC now Barnes RFC (L2) |
| Strength & Conditioning Coach | Cam Ruddock |
| Physiotherapist | Nicole Onyett – Fulltime and permanently onsite (Name tbc) |
| Analysis | Self Analysis and workshop led sessions. |
What is the process for being accepted to BCA Rugby Academy?
We have initial “Open Days” and then progress to both interviews for players based upon academic/course requirements as well as rugby trials themselves.
POST LOCKDOWN – Rearranged Trial Date: Fri 30th April
Do you offer day and weekly boarders/hosted family accommodation at BCA Rugby Academy?
We do NOT boarding at BCA Rugby Academy. However, we do offer a very comprehensive travel option for student whish enables them to be picked up from an extensive network of routes and coached in on a daily basis from right across Berkshire. (Note: There is a fee for this but it is cost effective and efficient for parents/guardian and students alike).
From an education perspective what options are available to students?
At BCA Rugby Academy we offer the pupils to study for BTEC vocational qualifications which equate to A Levels and provide them access to University. We find that working in the academy setup and with a focus on assignments across the two year course removes the pressure of the focus on Year End exams and enables many of the academy pupils to thrive in this environment as it can be deemed more balanced.
Typical feedback from the pupils are that they are “treated more like adults in this environment and gain a more independent learning opportunity” which puts them in good stead for University. Students have recently left with (168 UCAS points)
We also offer pupils a number of entry points as we offer BTEC Level 1, 2 as well as Level 3. When we interview we interview for suitability fit as well a grades so the emphasis is not simply the grades. The minimum we accept is 4 x GCSE at Level D.
Our pupils score in the Top 10 academic colleges in the UK and our OFSTED report supports this. Students are able to study BTEC vocational courses ONLY but equate to A Levels for progression to University (if required).
Note: BTEC are assignment based modules as opposed to end of period exams.
With the new season approaching what will a typical week look like?
| DAY | ACTIVITY |
| Monday | NO COLLEGE |
| Tuesday | Morning 9 – 11am Gym/Training (2 Hrs) – Afternoon 4 Hours Theory |
| Wednesday | Travel (if required) * – GAMEDAY |
| Thursday | Morning 1 Hour |
| Friday | Afternoon 2 hours |
What does the fixture list look like for BCA Rugby Academy?
Our fixtures are mostly as part of the AOC league and include teams such as; Godalming, Peter Symonds, St Dominic’s, Reigate College, Uxbridge and Esher College.
What other benefits do BCA Rugby Academy offer their pupils that we might not be aware of?
We play our home matches at our BCA home ground and provide a detailed transport option for the day boys to make their travel to BCA an easy option.
We support the players in the following extensions as part of the rugby programme;
- Beach Rugby
- Refereeing Courses (YMO)
- Personal Training Certification
- Rugby Tours
There is also focus on life outside of rugby and so we have an active social calendar which includes events such as Liquid Leisure (water park), paintballing events, bowling etc.
Over and above this we also offer the BCA Rugby Academy students a focused 4 day per week programme so they do not attend college on a Monday but use this time to manage assignments, coursework and sport recovery.
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Do you allow players to play for their clubs or county?
This is big focus area for us and is the first priority for BCA Rugby Academy players is to ensure that they play rugby for their community club and to represent their county. This ensures that they get a full season of rugby gametime.
As further commitment we are also working with the county (Berkshire RFU) to provide facilities to support training of the county squads.
Who are some of the BCA Rugby Academy Alumni?
| PLAYER | CLUB / COUNTY/ HONOURS |
| Connor Kineham | Irish Exiles |
| Liam Goodison | Henley now Rams |
| Ryan Kinsella | Rams |
| Jacob Berry | Bracknell RFC / Berkshire U18 |
| Dylan Taylor | Newbury RFC / Berkshire U18 |
| Josh Ryalls | Bracknell RFC / Berkshire U18 |
Finally, as the Head Coach what would you say to your younger self if you were given the opportunity to join the BCA Rugby Academy?
“You will not get a better academic opportunity that will give you both rugby and vocational pathway options”
Sam Marshall-Davies
Head of Rugby at BCA Rugby Academy
