Women’s Rugby

In this academy athletes, of all levels, learn safe and effective techniques and develop all the fundamental skills to play rugby safely.

PLAY RUGBY & RUGBY ACADEMY

Rugby Women

PLAY RUGBY

Experience our vision of Rugby and let yourself be inspired.

Join one of our Rugby Academies and live the Experience Of A Lifetime

The Rugby Academy

High performance & Skills development

Why choose the Rugby Academy?

International

Education

Rugby

Passion

Where Rugby Academies can take you?

UK

Train and learn in the UK

Ireland

Learn from the Irish

New Zealand

Learn from the All Blacks

RUGBY ACADEMY

Join the Rugby Academy and live the Experience Of A Lifetime

The Rugby Academy allows athletes to improve their Rugby and individual skills with the best coaches available in a safe, enjoyable and stimulating environment within the best rugby countries in the world. For 2025, 2026 and 2027 we will be running the Rugby Academy in conjunction with important leading rugby schools and clubs based in Ireland, England and New Zealand, considered among the best in the world.

We promote active learning and also the intellectual, physical and social development of the learners with a variety of coaching styles involving both coach centred and athlete centred components/game-based approach.

The Rugby Academy provide each athlete with the best possible coaching staff with the aim to empower the players to reach their full potential via a high quality and inspiring education, which consider the age and ability of the players.

In this academy athletes, of all levels, learn safe and effective techniques and develop all the fundamental skills to play rugby safely.

We offer programs dedicated to young rugby players aged 8 to 25 focused on developing rugby performance. We provide multiple pathways — including High Performance & Skills Development, Intensive Training, Language Learning, Pre-Season, and Return to Rugby — that can be combined to create a personalised rugby immersion experience enhancing potential on and off the field, all within a prestigious Rugby Academy that inspires confidence, learning, and excellence.

Each combination offers a unique journey, tailored to individual goals — whether it’s to develop rugby skills, pursue professional ambitions, or gain fluency in English through full immersion. For participants who already possess a high level of English proficiency, the Academy provides an environment focused on the development of fundamental rugby abilities, the improvement of overall game performance, and the advancement to higher levels of play.

RUGBY PROGRAMME

Our programme has been created in conjunction with the “long-term player development programme” fostered by World Rugby.

All athletes will learn the essential techniques required to play safely, they will learn and develop new skills and ways to express themselves in a team environment. There will be “humbleness” that comes by working with a group and the “conscientiousness” for the safety and enjoyment of all players involved. We encourage fun and healthy competition.

We offer Short-Term and Long-Term Programmes designed to support both academic and athletic development — combining rugby excellence, language learning through immersion or in the classroom, wellbeing, and pathways to professional growth.

Short Term Courses

Short-term courses are delivered all year round (2 to 6 weeks).

Medium and Long Term Courses

Medium-term courses and Long-term courses (more than 6 weeks).

Customized Courses

Customized courses are delivered during 2025, 2026 and 2027.

Workshop

The workshops

Clinics

The Rugby topics and positional clinics

High Performance Intensive training

Intensive training camps

Rugby Academy Weekly Timetable

HOLISTIC APPROACH

At Play Rugby, we promote active learning and also the intellectual, physical and social development of the learners with a variety of coaching styles involving both coach centred and athlete centred components.

THE PLAY RUGBY HOLISTIC APPROACH includes principles of leadership, empowerment, emotional intelligence, athlete learning preferences, Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU), game-based approach (GBA) within increasingly V.U.C.A. environments, Inner Game, implicit motor learning and experiential/discovery learning with an authentic respect for each individual willingness to achieve happiness while participating in rugby.

Please note: The schedule is subject to change based on the duration and intensity of the programme.

Rugby course contents

Athletes will have more than 25 hours a week of training and interrelated activities which include theoretical lessons, coaching, skills assessments and progressions, developments of the mental strength, intelligence and rugby abilities. Matches or training games will be part of the programme and analysed through video supports when appropriate.

Rugby STAFF

Our experienced rugby staff have a vast amount of experience in providing top quality coaching to young players. All coaches are fully accredited and qualified by IRFU (Irish Rugby Union), RFU (Rugby Football Union), NZRU (New Zealand Rugby Union). All the coaches have additionally completed World Rugby First Aid in Rugby and Safe Rugby.

Sports Medicine & Physiotherapy departments are present in some particular centres and available to a specific group of athletes.

COACHING

All participants will be assisted, coached and guided by professional coaches, professional players and well-experienced teachers. Particular emphasis will be placed on the following topics: individual skills and techniques; mini-unit skills and team skills; communication and the ability to make decisions under pressure and perform under the pressure of time, space, and under fatigue and do so consistently.

The Rugby Academy is open to players of various level. The rugby programme maintains the fun aspects of rugby and promotes rugby’s core values: Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship. Enjoyment will be considered a fundamental aspect of the programme.

We encourage coaches to use a broader range of coaching styles and behaviours at different parts of the Coaching Continuum: Coach centred <=> Athlete centred using a Game-Based Approach (GBA) appropriate to particular situations or circumstances such us types of athletes, age and size groups, with the aim to increasingly raise athletes’ self-awareness, gives them greater responsibility for their own learning and leads to an outcome of increased athlete self-belief.

Age Grade of Play

We ensure that all players are able to enjoy rugby in a safe environment where they can develop their sport, personal and social skills. The programme is for all players aged 6 – 18 in clubs, schools, colleges and within the representative pathway and it incorporates the rules of play, regulation, competition formats and the structure of the season worldwide.

Programmes

Age Grade of Play

Sports Facilities

The Academy has excellent world-class training facilities and a wide range of additional sport and recreational facilities to complement the training programme. High-performance gyms and indoor swimming pools are present in some particular centres and available to a specific group of athletes.

Excursions and recreational activities

Activities and excursions are an important part of the course in New Zealand, Great Britain, Ireland and the rest of Europe. Please contact us for more details.

Assistance, Support and SAFEGUARDING

Assistance, Support and Supervision (FAQ): We provide comprehensive supervision and support for all athletes throughout their stay. Our dedicated supervisors ensure that players follow their daily timetable, respect public health guidelines, and comply with RETURN TO RUGBY protocols.

Our experienced safeguarding team works closely with all staff to ensure that every participant’s wellbeing, safety, and welfare are always protected. They are trained to identify and respond appropriately to any concerns, creating a safe, structured, and caring environment for everyone.

Our supervisor continuously monitor, guide, and assist participants whenever needed, ensuring a safe, structured, and supportive environment for everyone.

Quick Programmes Overview

High Performance Rugby & Skills Development Training Programme

A specialised programme blending elite coaching, advanced skills development, and game intelligence to prepare rugby players to perform at the highest level. The programme includes strength and conditioning gym sessions led by professional coaches to optimise athletic performance and physical development.

Intensive Skills Development Programme

This is a program for players who want to improve rapidly through targeted coaching sessions that build technical precision, decision-making, and confidence under pressure. This is Focused, high-intensity training that drives rapid progress in technical execution, tactical awareness, and overall performance.

Pre-Season & Skills Development Training Programme

A performance-focused programme that prepares players physically and mentally for the competitive season ahead, enhancing fitness, strength, and match readiness.

Return to Rugby & Skills Development Training Programme

A structured recovery and conditioning pathway that supports players in regaining strength, mobility, and confidence after time away from the game, ensuring a safe and effective return to play.

We also offer Language Learning Programmes, including our Play Rugby and Learn English pathway and our full Rugby Immersion programmes. Participants can also extend their stay in Ireland by one, two, or more weeks through our Rugby Experience programme.

Language Learning with Play Rugby and Learn English

We offer programs designed for young rugby players aged 8 to 25 who wish to improve their English while training in a specialized Rugby Academy, following the Play Rugby and Learn English method.

This is a programme focused on developing technical skills, game understanding, and on-field confidence while improving English through the Play Rugby and Learn English method. It includes a recognised classroom-based language course that complements daily training, creating an immersive international environment where players grow both as athletes and individuals.

The Play Rugby and Learn English method can combine high-level rugby training with a recognised English language course, culminating in a certificate that outlines each participant’s linguistic profile at the end of the programme.
Alternatively, it can combine high-level rugby training with full language immersion outside the classroom, integrating learning naturally through daily life, training, and community experience.

Each programme — or combination of programmes — offers a unique journey tailored to individual goals, whether to develop rugby skills, pursue professional ambitions, enhance wellbeing, prepare for the season ahead, or gain fluency in English.

ACCOMMODATION & SUPERVISION

Host families & Homestay

All our families are inspected and carefully selected.

College and boarding schools

Boarding schools offer an alternative to the “host family” option.

Residential

University Residences offer an alternative to the “host family” option.

Assistance, Support and SAFEGUARDING

Our supervisor continuously monitor, guide, and assist participants whenever needed, ensuring a safe, structured, and supportive environment for everyone.

Training and Education

Join a Rugby and Education Programme and live the Experience Of A Lifetime

School Year, Semester or Trimester Programme

We are able to include athletes in colleges of great rugby tradition, for a quarter, a half or a whole school year.

Mini Stays

Play Rugby runs short stays with weekly programmes, giving athletes the opportunity to live with host families or in the college residences. Contact us for more information.

Rugby and Languages

We run Rugby and English programmes during the Summer and during the school holidays. Over the years we have developed athletes of all nationalities with excellent sports and educational results.

Rugby and Language

Rugby and English

Play Rugby and Learn English

Rugby and French

Play Rugby and Learn French

Rugby and Spanish

Play Rugby and Learn Spanish

PLAY RUGBY AND LEARN ENGLISH

Focus on Rugby and English Academy

Learning English as a Second Language through sports activities gives immense benefits to students. It promotes active learning of the language in any environment and also the intellectual, physical and social development of the learners.

Our Rugby and English Summer Camps combine the English language and your preferred sport to give you a lifetime experience.

Rugby is a rapidly growing international sport and is gaining popularity in every country around the world. English is spoken at a useful level by a quarter of the world population [Quoting: British Council].

“The game of rugby is a balance between skill and physicality”

“A club should say GET MORE SKILFULL because the easy part is the physical part, the hard part is skill. The skills are so hard to improve: your catch and pass skills… to improve your decision-making is hard…and you‘ve got to spend more time on those areas…the gym part is the easiest part. It is easier to get fitter and stronger”

Cit. Eddie Jones (England Rugby Coach) at Oxford Union F&Q, Summer 2017

At Play Rugby, we are trying to instil this into players and create athletes that are much more diligent in the skills training.

Watch the full video on our blog.

Skills Development rugby training camp

Rugby Skills Development

Age Grade:
Athletes 6 to 18 years old
Dates:
All year round
Location:
Ireland, England and New Zealand
Duration:
2 or more weeks
Accommodation:
Host Family or College (full board)
Extracurricular activities:
Excursions, Leisure and Sport Activities

Skills Development Programme

At The Rugby Academy athletes focus on all aspects of the game and performing skills under pressure.The Rugby Skills Development Programme is designed to develop players, based on the core four skills.

Catching and Passing or Kicking
Tackling
Support and Evasion
The Breakdown (Defensive and Attacking with individual, mini-unit and team skills assessment and progressive development )

All sessions will have one of these four core skills as its main focus, which will be assessed and developed progressively. Particular emphasis will be placed on the following topics:

Communication and the ability to make decisions under pressure
Leadership activation; mental strength; tactical intelligence

Additional aspects include (when appropriate):

Functional assessment and development
Speed, Agility and Quickness
Game related fitness
Strength and conditioning

Players who attend the Rugby Academy will be coached by Top Level coaches, fully DBS checked and first aid trained. Our staff, which includes a full-time physiotherapist, will be looking after players at all other times. They conform to Ireland, England, France and New Zealand’s Rugby Football Union and the World Rugby’s guidance in coaching rugby.

HIGH PERFORMANCE RUGBY

HIGH PERFORMANCE

Age Grade:
Athletes 14 to 23 years old
Dates:
All year round
Location:
Ireland, England and New Zealand
Duration:
2 or more weeks
Accommodation:
Host Family or College (full board)
Extracurricular activities:
Excursions, Leisure and Sport Activities

Hi-Performance Development Programme

The Rugby Academy will provide players and teams with an opportunity to experience a development programme which will be tailored to the team and/or the individual.

The rugby academy programme includes:

Technical skill assessment and progressive development
Positional play
Tactical skill assessment and development
Game Management Development & Training analysis through video supports where appropriate
Mental Preparation
Physical fitness, Strength, Power and Conditioning assessment and development
Nutrition Analysis & Planning
Access to expert coaching and fitness training
Access to top-level coaches and playing facilities
Performance analysis, Goal setting, Performance planning
Medical and Functional Assessment and support (where and when applicable)
Personal Development

If you are still looking for the perfect program, please feel free to contact us with your requests.

With our expertise in rugby, we will create the ultimate rugby experience with a personalized program tailored to your athlete.

ACCOMMODATION & SUPERVISION

Host families & Homestay

All our families are inspected and carefully selected.

College and boarding schools

Boarding schools offer an alternative to the “host family” option.

Residential

University Residences offer an alternative to the “host family” option.

Host Families: Students attending the Academy should stay with host families. All our host families are carefully inspected and selected by our accommodation coordinators, who maintain regular contact with each family throughout the student’s stay. The host families are located near the schools or close to bus routes that lead to the school and the center where sports activities take place. Most of them have several years of experience hosting students. Accommodation is on a full-board basis, with a packed lunch provided from Monday to Saturday. Typically, students share a room with another student of the same age group but of a different nationality. Unless otherwise specified, and if possible, only one student of the same nationality will be placed in each host family. Students usually travel to school daily using public transportation, such as buses, DART (suburban train), LUAS (tram), metro, or similar means. Private transfers can be arranged at an additional cost. Living with a host family offers insight into Irish, British, or New Zealand family life. Interaction with the host family plays an important role in developing communication skills, especially language skills. Our host families have been chosen for their interest in welcoming young people from around the world. They are selected based on the care and comfort they can provide to students who may be traveling abroad for the first time. Choosing to stay with a host family is the right option for those who want to experience authentic life in the country, as it gives students the opportunity to use English in a real environment and integrate with the family. In general, host family accommodation is recommended for slightly older students.

College/Residential accommodation: Our residences offer an alternative to host family accommodation for students who wish to fully immerse themselves in the school experience. The boarding school/residence provides a unique community-focused lifestyle and is ideal for outgoing, athletic, and adaptable students. It offers a comprehensive academic and extracurricular environment that helps students develop their full potential in all aspects. The Rugby campus is a self-sufficient community, giving students a certain degree of independence and freedom to explore while maintaining a safe and secure environment. Student well-being is at the heart of our accommodation offering. With a generous staff-to-student ratio, we ensure 24-hour support in a welcoming and well-organized setting. We encourage staff to create a friendly, lively, and family-like atmosphere to ensure that all students feel comfortable, happy, and supported during their stay away from home. The boarding school/residence can accommodate students on-site, primarily in comfortable single, double, or triple rooms. All accommodations used for Rugby students are of high quality. Each residential center varies slightly in room and bathroom types. Every room is located near modern bathroom and shower facilities, or alternatively, has its own en-suite bathroom with a shower. Rugby students will have a wardrobe, drawers, a desk, and a chair in their room. The dining facilities offer hot and cold meals, as well as a wide range of snacks. Our residences provide a truly fun and international environment where students from all over the world live together and use English as their primary means of global communication. The residences are supervised by staff who are available to assist students day and night. Boarding accommodation is highly appreciated by parents who send younger children or those who want their children to experience the unique atmosphere of boarding school life in a safe and supportive setting.

Our supervisors constantly monitor all solutions to ensure the highest standards of care, safety, and organization. All meals are included

Assistance, Support and SAFEGUARDING

Our supervisor continuously monitor, guide, and assist participants whenever needed, ensuring a safe, structured, and supportive environment for everyone.

FEATURES

The best campus facilities

The programme takes place in our vast campus located in Ireland. Here you’ll be able to use the most up-to-date facilities and equipment.

Education

Throughout the week the players gain a real insight into the core values of Leinster Rugby. They will be coached in a professional environment to give them an understanding of the fundamental values of teamwork, commitment, integrity and communication.

Excursions

The activities programme provides students with an opportunity to absorb some of Ireland’s rich heritage in a fun and relaxed way while also allowing students the opportunity to improve their English.

FRIENDLY AND CARING ATMOSPHERE

All Camp Managers are fully accredited IRFU coaches and have additionally completed IRFU Safe Rugby and World Rugby First Aid in Rugby.

Practice Makes Perfect

We know the only way you truly understand a subject is by practising it in a real environment. This is why we’ve set a playground area that’s full of hours of exercises, questions and challenges. It even has a gaming section.

Contact us

If you wish to receive more information please fill in the form below.

We will reply to you as soon as possible. Thank you.

Level up

Skills Beyond Boundaries

Learn from the very best

Join our course and start building the most wanted skills available today. We make sure every class is easily understood, and that all students reach the same level of expertise needed for today’s rugby and english environments.

Working hours

Monday- Thursday:8:00-18:30 Hrs
(Phone until 17:30 Hrs)
Friday - 8:00-14:00

We are here

Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Dublin, Ireland
Phone: +353 (0) 1 254 2324
Email: info@playrugby.org

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Women’s Rugby

PLAY RUGBY & RUGBY ACADEMY

Rugby Women

PLAY RUGBY

Experience our vision of Rugby and let yourself be inspired.

Join one of our Rugby Academies and live the Experience Of A Lifetime

The Rugby Academy

High performance & Skills development

Why choose the Rugby Academy?

Where Rugby Academies can take you?

UK

Ireland

New Zealand

RUGBY ACADEMY

Join the Rugby Academy and live the Experience Of A Lifetime

RUGBY PROGRAMME

Short Term Courses

Medium and Long Term Courses

Customized Courses

Workshop

Clinics

High Performance Intensive training

Rugby Academy Weekly Timetable

HOLISTIC APPROACH

Rugby course contents

Rugby STAFF

COACHING

Age Grade of Play

Programmes

Rugby and Language

High Performance Rugby

Rugby Experience

Experience Rugby

Club Season

Intensive Training

Skills Development

Return to Rugby

Pre Season

Academic Programme

Age Grade of Play

Sports Facilities

Excursions and recreational activities

Assistance, Support and SAFEGUARDING

Quick Programmes Overview

High Performance Rugby & Skills Development Training Programme

Intensive Skills Development Programme

Pre-Season & Skills Development Training Programme

Return to Rugby & Skills Development Training Programme

Language Learning with Play Rugby and Learn English

ACCOMMODATION & SUPERVISION

Host families & Homestay

College and boarding schools

Residential

Assistance, Support and SAFEGUARDING

Training and Education

Join a Rugby and Education Programme and live the Experience Of A Lifetime

School Year, Semester or Trimester Programme

Mini Stays

Rugby and Languages

Rugby and Language

Rugby and English

Rugby and French

Rugby and Spanish

PLAY RUGBY AND LEARN ENGLISH

Focus on Rugby and English Academy

Rugby is a rapidly growing international sport and is gaining popularity in every country around the world. English is spoken at a useful level by a quarter of the world population [Quoting: British Council].

“The game of rugby is a balance between skill and physicality”

Skills Development rugby training camp

Rugby Skills Development

Skills Development Programme

HIGH PERFORMANCE RUGBY

HIGH PERFORMANCE

Hi-Performance Development Programme

If you are still looking for the perfect program, please feel free to contact us with your requests.

Athlete Profile

ACCOMMODATION & SUPERVISION

Host families & Homestay

College and boarding schools

Residential

Assistance, Support and SAFEGUARDING