For many the culmination of having a successful Youth Rugby experience is making a choice (once selected) to join a Rugby ACE/AASE Academy , (hi-calibre playing rugby school) OR staying at their current educational establishment in Year 11 (Un16). The choices they are offered may give them the closest experience to a “professional” rugby set-up that Academies and some Schools offer players and the opportunities to progress.
With the added challenges that Covid has brought, with limited game time and the academy challenges this season more than any other has brought around real dilemmas.
There are a growing number of options now available to Year 11 (U16) players for choices at Year 12/13 including;
London Irish ACE (now Bishop Wand School), Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Academy (Henley College), Wasps ACE (City of Oxford College), Mad Dog Rugby Academy (Park House School) and most recently Rams Rugby Academy (Forest School). BCA Rugby Academy (Berkshire College of Agriculture).
We have spoken to wide range of relevant personnel across the board (players, parents and coaches) to dissect the process and structures in place so that players and parents can get a real perspective on the options available. This should support the decision making process by providing some “real life” stories about what AASE/ACE Academy/Rugby School is like as a rugby pathway.
This first instalment is from a players perspective and based upon their experiences and will also show how for some Academy’s they have evolved over the years.
London Irish Academy have the same management team (headed by Richard Pryor) but move to Bishop Wand School. Henley College under their Ealing Trailfinders partnership will have changed from the historic Wasps way (now headed by Tom Redfearn).. Wasps are now based at Oxford College and Oxford Harlequins RFC) but have the team that were at Henley College (Gareth Harris). BCA and Mad Dog Academies continue to offer opportunities based and Rams will also offer a new Academy opportunity from Sept 2021.
LOOK OUT FOR ACADEMY HEAD COACH/MANAGER INTERVIEWS IN THE COMING WEEKS TO HELP YOU IN MAKING A DECISION THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU.
PLAYERS EXPERIENCES
We spoke to several players who are currently or have recently come through the London Irish DPP, Wasps DPP or Berkshire County (Year 11 U16) and discussed their experiences including the highs and lows as they made their decisions on which rugby pathway option would be right for them; AASE/ACE, School, College with a rugby focus.
Berkshire RFU would like to thank the boys who took the time to provide a personal insight into their experiences.
How did you find out about the program and what made you decide once offered an AASE (now ACE) / Rugby Academy opportunity vs staying at the current school or college for Year 12/13?
Player A (London Irish/St Pauls) – I wanted to play and train at the highest level I could and the structure at the ACE/AASE academies would provide me with a great level of overall team capability to that of my previous school or rugby club would be able to provide. I was approached by someone at London Irish ACE/AASE Academy who knew me from my school/county and invited me to trial.
Player B (Wasps/Henley College) – I was playing for my local Berkshire club and literally a parent was giving out leaflet about Henley College and said I should go. I had been in the county set-up but was dropped at U16 so was not informed about other options through county like others. I went to the trial and was effectively offered a place soon after the trial.
Player C (London Irish/St Pauls) – I started playing at a Berkshire community club when I was 11 (Year 7).I played county at u14 but got dropped at u15 and was recalled at u16. It was during this time that that London Irish Academy presented to the county players at U16 level (Year 11) and so I was made aware of the AASE program. This meant that I applied and after a trial was offered a place.
Player D (Wasps/Henley College) – It was actually a chance email from Henley and I was invited to trial. I had been playing for Academy U16 teams and had some options. I had also been invited to and had trialled at some independent schools for a potential scholarship place. I also had an offer from another ACE/AASE Academy. As I was a Wasps fan it did not take much to influence me to come to Henley ACE/AASE after trialling and being offered a place.
Player E (BCA Academy) – It came about by chance as other boys who I played with at my club were looking at academies and BCA came up in the discussion. Until then I was focused on looking at BTEC course for public services (military, police, fire service etc) and so when I found out that there was an option to do this course and combine it with rugby it grabbed my attention compared to other colleges which did not provide the dual approach of the right course and rugby.
What were your experiences like at AASE (ACE) / Rugby Academy?
Player A (London Irish/St Pauls) – It was a very positive one on two accounts, the education standards for me were better than the setup at my previous educational establishment which would help me with the grades that I would achieve AND I also benefitted from a higher level of rugby coaching that really benefitted and improved my game. Many of the boys were weekly boarders (Hosted) but I travelled in on a daily basis and did not find it to much of an issue.
Player B (Wasps/Henley College) – The coaching was very professional and enabled me to learn and develop fast. There was also opportunities to get more 1-1 coaching to develop as an individual and it as less “sugar coated” than you received at club level. From an education perspective you had a lot more freedom than I had at my school. This was positive in that you determined the work ethic and meant you grew up quickly or would be left behind. As I had concussion in my first year, I did not play until after Christmas and then in the development team. However, we then had some sevens tournaments and after the first tournament (where I played quite well) I was not only promoted to the Henley AASE first team but also the Wasps Academy squad. I then stayed in these teams and started in both squads for the remaining season and Year 13. Like you have heard from London Irish several boys were hosted in Henley but I travelled in on a daily basis. Travel meant that my day started early but I just got on with it.
Player C (London Irish/St Pauls) – I was a weekly boarder and lived with a host family which I shared with another player. This was fine and removed the travel challenges that others faced. As I had the flexibility to complete a BTEC in Sports & Business. As it was more coursework based this helped me with the time I was playing rugby but would also give me access to University. The education levels for me compared to the school I was at were actually a little step backwards based upon the level of support you received and level of teaching as well as not being as strict but this meant that you needed to drive yourself. On the rugby side it was a massive step up in skills and spending up to 5 times a week training. I improved so much as we even had input from current 1st team players during my time there.
Player D (Wasps/Henley College) – I had a very enjoyable and experienced coaching structure especially in my early months within the programme. The balance of quality academy and AASE coaches and training sessions was very beneficial to my development as a player.
The introduction of strength & conditioning to my game, something I did not intially appreciate but have grown to be thankful for, has led to other parts of my game being enhanced as a consequence of the continuation of these initial strength & conditioning practices. The ability to balance academy and AASE programmes was very beneficial to myself , a further level of support from staff coupled with regular game time in the AASE league coupled with high intensity sessions with the academy, truly benefitted myself as a player.
As the season went on and as personnel changed, my enjoyment within the coaching sessions and structure waivered, however I am thankful also for this experience as I believe it was a great learning oppurtunity and to have this experience will only benefit my career in the long term.
Player E (BCA Academy) – From a rugby perspective we had regularly coaching and it was run in a much less formal structure as the coaches were not teachers. This created an environment where there was less pressure, more relaxed and the intensity was driven by the players. Coming from a state school the size of the college (grounds) and the approach to learning for pupils suited me. I felt that there was a strong supportive network at the college. The class sizes were between 11-16 and we are able to get time with the lecturers as and when required. Throughout the course I felt that there was less pressure (based upon assignment led learning) as opposed to periodic exams which again helped me enjoy my rugby as well as my education.
What did a typical “rugby” week look like at AASE/ACE/Rugby Academy?
Player A (London Irish/St Pauls)
| Monday | TRAINING (Afternoon) |
| Wednesday | MATCH DAY – This is matchday so we would train in the early morning then travel (if required) Match in the Afternoon. |
| Friday | TRAINING (Afternoon) |
Player B (Wasps/Henley College)
| Monday | GYM (8-9am), TRAINING 10-12 Noon |
| Tuesday | Team Run through AM |
| Wednesday | MATCH DAY – No training but travel (if required0 and Match in the Afternoon (we had two teams) |
| Thursday | GAME REVIEW (AM) – GYM (LUNCHTIME) |
| Friday | GYM (8-9am), TRAINING (Afternoon) |
Player C (London Irish/St Pauls)
| Monday | GYM & TRAINING (After School) |
| Tuesday | TRAINING (After School) |
| Wednesday | MATCH DAY – No training but travel (if required) and Match in the Afternoon |
| Thursday | RECOVERY & ANALYSIS – (Lunchtime) |
| Friday | TRAINING (8-9am), GYM (After School) |
Player D (Wasp/Henley College)
| Monday | TRAINING (Morning) – Training (Afternoon) |
| Tuesday | TEAM RUN (Morning) |
| Wednesday | MATCH DAY – No training but travel (if required) and Match in the Afternoon |
| Thursday | TRAINING* (Academy see below after college in the Evening) |
| Friday | GYM (Early Morning) OR TRAINING (Afternoon) |
As I was also training (and Gym sessions) with the Wasps Academy I trained on a Monday evening (which meant that I had to travel to Broadstreet (Wasps Training Ground) from Henley but was not excused the double session on a Monday at Henley. * Thursday was also Wasps Academy training but this time at Henley. Only players from the southern Wasps counties trained at Henley while the as others would train at Broadstreet.
Player E (BCA Academy)
| Monday | NO COLLEGE – FREE DAY |
| Tuesday | Morning 9 – 11am Gym/Training (2 Hrs) |
| Wednesday | MATCH DAY – Travel (if required) * – Match in the Afternoon |
| Thursday | Morning 1 Hour |
| Friday | Afternoon 2 hours |
Many do not realise that we actually only have a four day week so there is no college on a Monday. This suits if we have club or county matches on a Sunday for recovery. Also my timetable was slightly different to those who were doing a pure BTEC sports course.
Were you encouraged to continue with your club or county rugby?
Player A (London Irish/St Pauls) – We were never explicitly told not to play but given the amount of training were doing at ACE/AASE we were advised about over training. In effect this meant that most did not train for clubs or play that much but would train and play with county as this was more limited. If we had major AASE/ACE league matches then we would simply limit the amount of contact sessions outside of this. Those in Year 11 (1st Year AASE/ACE) were allowed to play some club matches at the weekend as they were less likely to get game time at the Academy but again were typically advised to play half a match to limit injury.
Player B (Wasps/Henley College) – I was personally stopped from playing for my club but as I had got injured playing for them in my first year but I was now in the 1st XV and the full u18 Academy squad they did not want me to get injured again. I had not been selected for the county since U15 so never had the issue but played for Wasps AASE and Wasps Academy.
Player C (London Irish/St Pauls) – I did not play any club rugby once at AASE (in either year) due to higher level selection matches/tournaments so I was not able to play for the county at U18 level.
Player D (Wasp/Henley College) – In my first year I played a few games (3) for my club but as I was already in the Academy squad so it was limited. I did not play county rugby while at Henley College in the first year but did so in the 2nd when I personally had more flexibility.
Player E (BCA Academy) – Absolutely, at no point were we discouraged from playing club or county rugby. This would have been an issue as I really enjoyed my club and county rugby.
What was it like coming a new schools/college under the AASE/ACE / Rugby Academy scheme?
Player A (London Irish/St Pauls) – I found that despite most of the players being new to me (some I knew from county and in the year above) that we became a very tight group and we got to know each other very well based upon the fact that we were very focused on our rugby. This really helped as we progressed through the season (s).
Player B (Wasps/Henley College) – I only knew one player my time at county u15 who was at Henley so is was completely new to me but did not take long to fit in as we were a focused group.
Player C (London Irish/St Pauls) – For me it was like coming into a professional rugby set-up with the approach and requirements of you as a player. I only knew one player who I had played with at county level and London Irish DPP previously but the environment was positive.
Player D (Wasps/Henley College) – It was a real change from my school and the level of freedom and independence required some adaption. I did not know other players within the college.
Player E (BCA Academy) – I knew a couple of the boys from my county but not that well. As my course was different to theirs I was not involved in all their classes. We got to know each other very well as rugby was our common goal. My communication skills developed as well as my confidence. It was different to schools and I liked the informal approach which made me feel more equal. At BCA they were more open to support you and you felt you could talk to them more.
Did you compete internally as a player?
Player A (London Irish/St Pauls) – Not really, it was a different experience compared to county as you were involved week in week out with the same group of players and you knew you would get game time so were not as focused on competing against the other players but adding more value as a team member as it was not such a short period compared to the county season.
We did compete/play against the DPP Gold squad (those in the Academy but not in the AASE/ACE Academy). Our season was primarily before Christmas whereas their season started after Christmas so we would play internal warm up matches against them. Several players would also regularly play for the Gold Academy team.
Player B (Wasps/Henley College) – The environment was friendly but competitive as all the players were keen to progress into the first XV at ACE/AASE. Interesting that at the Academy squad level there was less competition tendencies although I kept my focus to achieve as recognised this was the senior squad.
Player C (London Irish/St Pauls) – There was always competition for places, and you were expected to fight for your place within the team in my first year. However, in my second year there was still competition, but the ethos became more about developing as a group.
Player D (Wasps/Henley College) – There were two sides at Wasps/Henley College and so those vying for 1st XV places demonstrated a lot of one-upmanship during training etc. The 2nd team were more of a collective. There were several of use who were in the Academy squad as well so we played AASE before Xmas and then Academy fixtures afterwards.
Player E (BCA Academy) – No, we were quite a small focused group and although several of the players played in the same position we all had a flexible approach so there were never any “competitive” issues/challenges.
Did any of the GOLD/Academy players regularly train with the AASE/ACE / Rugby Academy squad or were you kept separate?
Player A (London Irish/St Pauls) – Yes, some of the players were at schools/colleges that were not deemed “strong” rugby schools so they were invited to train with the AASE/ACE on a Friday afternoon to give them more coaching/development time. This did not happen very much.
Player B (Wasps/Henley College) – No, as we were based at Henley during my time there we did not have any school players join in our sessions during my time there.
Player C (London Irish/St Pauls) – No, during my time there were no school players who trained with us but I believe this has changed now.
Player D (Wasps/Henley College) – Yes, we used to have a Henley based Wasps academy training on a Thursday evening . Only players from the southern Wasps counties trained at Henley while the others would train at Broadstreet.
Player E (BCA Academy) – No, we did not have any players from ANY other schools, colleges or Academy’s train or play with us.
What were the highs and lows during your time at AASE/ACE?
Player A (London Irish/St Pauls) – The HIGHS are the easiest to measure as it was the winning and play good rugby? The togetherness of the team was also a great experiences and enjoyable? The LOWS were when you were injured and could not be involved as much as you would like to be but we were still able to travel with the team on matchdays.
Player B (Wasps/Henley College) – LOWS – I actually got concussion soon after starting (playing in a club match) so was not able to play at college until after Christmas and s missed most of the first season. The travelling distance started to become more an issue. HIGHS – There were many, once I had recovered form concussion in November as a Year 12. The team were already playing matches so I started from the 2nd XV, then to 1st XV and then after one sevens tournament moved into the Academy. In my first Academy match (vs Saracens) I came on as substitute and scored a try which showed what I could do and I was then a starter for all other Academy games. I also stayed in the Academy 1st XV for the rest of my time at Henley College AASE/ACE.
Player C (London Irish/St Pauls) – HIGHS – Were definitely training and playing where the first team played as you would see them during gym and training sessions and the most senior players would acknowledge you and give you confidence. Many times when we played at Hazelwood we would see 1st team players and even senior coaching staff watching the matches. This created a strong comradery and sense of belonging. The training and gym sessions were great for physical and technical development. 5/6 times per week really accelerated the learning. I also have to say that the S&C was also key to our physical development as players. LOWS – Some of the junior players within the senior squad would not show as much encouragement. They were not negative but were just not as supportive. Small niggling injuries were very frustrating but many of these were due to the step up in training load early on in my time at Irish. Of course also being dropped was also quite negative and during my time the feedback mechanism was not as good as it could have been which had impact for some players. Again this was from specific coaches who have now moved on.
Player D (Wasps/Henley College) – HIGHS – Played in our home AASE game at the Henley Hawks. The preseason program was really good . During transition to the new coaching team it was really player led and so not as strong LOWS – With the new coaching structure it was quite complex and a bit confusing and so not as engaging. I felt that throughout the programme, there was a lack of wellbeing support for myself. I appreciate that the it is now transitioning to an Ealing Trailfinders Academy with new coaches and structure this will have changed.
Player E (BCA Academy) – HIGHS – Although we have been left to our own devices during “lockdown” we have been supported with calls with the academy rugby staff and given support on the training and development programmes that we are on and log them. to maintain our fitness levels. LOWS – During our last year when we have not been able to play ANY competitive rugby but from a BCA perspective none that come to mind.
Do/Did you have plans if you were not signed as a senior Academy player?
Player A (London Irish/St Pauls) – Yes, we were given support by the Academy in that they would help us with our University applications and provide advise as to which Universities would be good for us based upon our subjects studied and rugby. They had contacts within the Universities (Director of Rugby) so could help with introductions or recommendations. They also offered to produce “player showreels” for us (if we wished). (All our games are recorded).
Player B (Wasps/Henley College) – They helped with supporting us with personal statements for Universities but I did not get any personal support on my university application. We also did not get any support on creation of show reels which would have supported our application’s.
Player C (London Irish/St Pauls) – We were not given much support during my time for onward placement or University applications, but I gained advice/support from 3rd parties to help with University places and transferring to another Premiership Academy.
Player D (Wasps/Henley College) – I had started to play rugby with Ealing Trailfinders Academy in my 2nd year (Year 12) and so before I left Henley College I already I had a pathway offered on a scholarship to Brunel University so I did not need any input from the Wasps/Henley College ACE/AASE.
Player E (BCA Academy) – The college does not offer an elite rugby option so the question is different for me we were never competing for a senior Academy contract. The amount of weekly lectures that we had across many of the public services (Military, Police, Fire, Prison Service, RAF, Ambulance etc) with both external and internal lecturers has given me a great insight into my future options and shaping my career. I do not believe I would have been in the same position had I been at another academy.
Finally, what would you say to your ‘younger’ self when making a choice as to their rugby pathway?
Player A (London Irish/St Pauls) – I would say go for it! It will give you both the opportunity to develop as a rugby player and for me enhance the education opportunity.
Player B (Wasps/Henley College) – GO FOR IT! I learned so much about the game and myself during this period. Train as hard as you can and expand your learning of the game and enjoy it. What I would also add is that when choosing your options at 18, choose the highest level of rugby to play at. Get involved in county rugby (where available) for the additional exposure and pathway options.
Player C (London Irish/St Pauls) – Do whatever you think is going to make YOU happy. Speak to as many players and coaches as you can before making your final choice/decision not just the ones at the school, college or AASE establishments. However, you should want to really commit to it and the rewards and opportunities are there.
Player D (Wasps/Henley College) – Decide how comfortable you are currently? For me it was the best decision I ever made as I was much more relaxed, created a great social network, had more free time and and felt that I grew as a person outside of the rugby itself.
Player E (BCA Academy) – Do your research and look around at the options with a study/rugby approach. Having done my research BCA Rugby Academy was a good choice for me.
AASE/ACE /Rugby Academy Alumni (Berkshire based)
| PLAYER | ACE/AASE | HONOURS |
| Jack Willis | Henley College / Wasps AASE | Wasps 1st XV, England (U20 and Men’s) |
| Tom WIllis | Henley College / Wasps AASE | Wasps 1st XV, England U20 |
| Dan Barnes | Henley College / Wasps AASE | Wasps Senior Academy, Jersey Reds |
| Johnny Williams | St Pauls / London Irish AASE | Scarlets, Wales (Men’s) |
| Reuben Norville | St Pauls / London Irish AASE | Scotland U16-U20 |
| Jordan Cordice | Henley College / Wasps AASE | Wasps Senior Academy |
| Alex Pleasance | Henley College / Wasps AASE | Wasps Senior Academy |
| Mario Pichardie | Henley College / Wasps AASE | Wasps Senior Academy |
| Tom Bacon | Henley College / Wasps AASE | Wasps Senior Academy |
| Jacob Atkins | St Pauls / London Irish AASE | London Irish 1st XV |
| Ben Atkins | St Pauls / London Irish AASE | London Irish Senior Academy, England U20’s |
| Jack Cooke | St Pauls / London Irish AASE | London Irish 1st XV |
| Ollie Hassel-Collins | St Pauls / London Irish AASE | London Irish 1st XV, England U20’s |
| Michael Dykes | St Pauls / London Irish AASE | London Irish Senior Academy, England U18’s |
| Joe Keohane | St Pauls / London Irish AASE | England U18’s |
| Arun Watkins | Henley College / Wasps AASE | Ealing Trailfinders Senior Academy |
| Phil Cokanasiga | St Pauls / London Irish AASE | London Irish Senior Academy |
| Connor Kineham | BCA Rugby Academy | Irish Exiles |
Players moved to BUCS Universities
| PLAYER | ACE/AASE | UNIVERSITY |
| Edwin Zamovic | St Pauls / London Irish AASE | Oxford University |
| Haseen Hashim | Henley College / Wasps AASE | Cardiff Met |
| Aaron Hamilton | Henley College / Wasps AASE | Bath University |
| Sam Clough | St Pauls / London Irish AASE | Bath University |
| Murray Bellis | Henley College / Wasps AASE | Bath University |
County U18/U20 (inc. National league players Tiers 2-3)
| PLAYER | ACE/AASE | COUNTY U18/20 |
| Will Field | St Pauls / London Irish AASE | Berkshire U18’s |
| Tom Sharp* | St Pauls / London Irish AASE | Berkshire U18’s |
| Brendan Clarke* | Henley College / Wasps AASE | Berkshire U20’s |
| Jacob Berry | BCA Rugby Academy | Berkshire U18’s |
| Dylan Taylor | BCA Rugby Academy | Berkshire U18’s |
| Josh Ryalls | BCA Rugby Academy | Berkshire U18’s |
CONTACT DETAILS FOR RUGBY ACADEMY’S
LONDON IRISH (BISHOP WAND SCHOOL)
http://www.bishopwand.surrey.sch.uk/2069/london-irish-admissions
WASPS (OXFORD COLLEGE)
https://oxford.activatelearning.ac.uk/courses/detail/wasps-rugby-aase-programme-2/
EALING TRAILFINDERS (HENLEY COLLEGE)
RAMS (FOREST SCHOOL)
http://www.forest.wokingham.sch.uk/1020/rams-rugby-forest
MAD DOG ACADEMY (PARK HOUSE SCHOOL)
http://www.parkhouseschool.org/Sixth-Form/mad-dog-rugby-academy
BERKSHIRE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE ACADEMY
