2027 Programmes

Browse F.A.Q. Topics

• Accommodation4
• Booking & Payments2
• Dates & Duration1
• Flights-&-Transfers2
• General Questions3
• Health, Safety & Welfare1
• Programmes & Player Levels2
• Rugby & Language3
• Rugby Training2
• Transports1

Accommodation

• Host family Accommodation

  What is it like to stay with a host family?

  Host family accommodation is available with selected Rugby & English and Rugby Academy programmes and is particularly suitable for students who would like to experience everyday life in an English-speaking environment.

  Our host families are carefully selected through our accommodation providers and coordinators, who maintain contact with the families and support students throughout their stay. Many host families have several years of experience welcoming international students.

  Host families are normally located within reasonable travelling distance of the school, training facilities or programme meeting points, with access to public transport where required.

  Depending on the programme, accommodation may be provided on a full-board basis, including breakfast, dinner and a packed lunch on programme days. Specific meal arrangements will be confirmed according to the programme and destination.

  Students may share a room with another student of a similar age, and where possible we aim to create an international environment by accommodating students of different nationalities together. Room arrangements depend on availability, age, programme and destination.

  Students staying with host families may travel independently to school, training or programme meeting points using local public transport, such as buses, trains, trams, metro or similar services, depending on the destination. Where available, private transport or transfers can also be arranged at an additional cost.

  Living with a host family gives students an opportunity to experience local family life and use English naturally in everyday situations. Interaction with the family can play an important role in developing communication skills, confidence, independence and cultural awareness.

  Host families are selected for their suitability and their interest in welcoming young people from different countries, with particular attention to the care, comfort and support required by international students.

  Host family accommodation can be particularly suitable for students seeking greater cultural and language immersion. It is generally recommended for slightly older and more independent students, depending on the participant's age, maturity, programme and destination.

  For information about host family availability for a specific programme, age group and destination, contact us at info@playrugby.org.

• College Accommodation

  What is college and residence accommodation like?

  College and residence accommodation offers an alternative to host family accommodation and is ideal for students who would like to experience a residential campus environment while participating in their programme.

  Depending on the programme and destination, accommodation may be provided in a university residence, college, boarding school or other selected residential centre. Each residence has its own facilities, room types and organisation.

  Residential accommodation provides an international and community-focused environment where students can live, socialise and take part in programme activities alongside other young people from different countries.

  Student welfare and support are an important part of the residential experience. Residences are supervised by staff, with support arrangements appropriate to the age of the students and the type of programme. Our team and local accommodation providers maintain regular contact and are available to assist students throughout their stay.

  Accommodation may be provided in single, twin, double, triple or shared rooms, depending on the residence, programme and availability. Bathroom facilities may be private, en-suite or shared and are normally located within or close to the student's accommodation area.

  Rooms generally include the essential furniture and storage required for the stay, such as a bed, wardrobe or storage space, desk and chair. Exact room facilities vary between residences.

  Meals are included according to the programme's accommodation plan. Residential dining facilities generally provide a selection of meals suitable for students participating in active sports programmes. Specific meal arrangements will be confirmed before arrival.

  Living in residence gives students the opportunity to develop independence, confidence and social skills while enjoying an international environment. English is commonly used as the shared language of communication between students of different nationalities.

  College and residence accommodation can be particularly suitable for younger students, first-time international participants and students who enjoy the social atmosphere of residential life. The most appropriate accommodation option will depend on the student's age, maturity, programme, destination and individual requirements.

  Both host family and residential accommodation arrangements are supported and monitored through our team and accommodation providers throughout the student's stay.

  For information about college and residence availability, room types and facilities for a specific programme and destination, contact us at info@playrugby.org.

• Accommodation & Supervision

  Depending on the programme and location, accommodation may be provided in a college/residence or with a host family.

  Our supervisors constantly monitor both solutions.

  Our team and local partners monitor and support students throughout their stay, maintaining regular contact and providing assistance when required.

  Accommodation arrangements are selected according to the student's age, programme, location and individual requirements<, with particular attention to the wellbeing and safeguarding of young participants.

• Meals

  All meals are included.

Booking & Payments

• The procedure to subscribe

  The procedure to subscribe:

  1) Fill in the enrolment form and send it to our email address admin@playrugby.org.

  2) Please forward flight details if available along with the registration form (or as soon as you get them) with a copy of the athlete’s id card or passport to our email address admin@playrugby.org

  3) A deposit of €350 (Standard programme) – €500 (Combined programme) (depending on the accommodation type, location, and duration of stay) is required to secure a place and confirm registration, enrollment, and placement.

• Payment Options

  We offer two payment options:

  Option 1 – Deposit + Final Balance

  - Deposit to secure the programme
  - Remaining balance payable before departure
  - Your exact payment deadline will be confirmed by email when your booking is confirmed
  - Payment by bank transfer

  Option 2 – Instalment Plan

  For families who prefer to spread the cost, we can arrange payment through Wise, which allows us to manage instalments more easily.

  After the initial deposit, you can choose:
  
  • A flexible instalment plan
  or
  • A structured payment plan – monthly or divided into three instalments.

  Your payment schedule and exact payment dates will be confirmed by email when your booking is confirmed.

  A small administration per instalment applies, depending on the number of instalments selected.

Dates & Duration

• What dates and programme durations are available?

  Programmes are available on selected dates throughout the season.

  Depending on the programme, players can join for one week or several weeks, with the option to combine different programmes for a longer stay. We also offer long-term programmes, including a Rugby Season Overseas and Academic Year Abroad.

  We welcome players of different ages and rugby levels, from players developing their skills to experienced and elite-level athletes seeking high-performance and excellence programmes.

  For this reason, available dates and programme options depend on the player’s age, rugby profile, preferred destination and travel period.

  Contact us with these details and we will advise you on the most suitable programme options and exact available dates at info@playrugby.org.

Flights-&-Transfers

• Flights

  Flights* (FAQ):

  The Flights to and from the course destination are not included in the course fee. Every family chooses the destination, selects available dates and books flights**.

  Players can reach their destination before the start of the course.

  We will provide a Meet and greet at the airport on the day of arrival (Our staff will be waiting for the players at the airport with a signpost with their names and our logo, from there on we will be taking care of them during their entire stay with us) and will provide tailored arrangements for the day of departure.

   

  *Please note: We strongly recommend you book your flights only after your participation in a course and visa are confirmed.

  **Please note: Before booking the flights please email us the selected dates and flights for approval. Many thanks

• Airport Transfers

  How are airport transfers organised?

  Airport transfers are arranged through our experienced and trusted transport providers.

  Airport transfers are compulsory for unaccompanied minors and provide an organised journey between the airport and the student's college, residence or host family accommodation on arrival and departure.

  We also encourage other students to book an airport transfer if they prefer to avoid public transport and have their arrival and departure arrangements organised in advance.

  Transfers are normally provided by private vehicle with a driver. Specific arrangements depend on the airport, destination, arrival or departure time and number of passengers.

  For information about airport transfers, availability and applicable fees for your programme, contact us at info@playrugby.org.

General Questions

• Availability of Places

  When should I book to secure a place?

  Places are available subject to programme, age group, location and dates. Some programmes and weeks are in particularly high demand, especially during peak summer periods.

  For this reason, we recommend booking as early as possible, particularly if you have specific dates, accommodation preferences or wish to combine several programmes.

  A place can be secured by completing the registration process and paying the required deposit. This allows us to proceed with the participant's enrolment and secure the programme and related arrangements, subject to availability.

  Before booking, contact us with the player's age, rugby profile, preferred location and available dates. We will confirm the current options and availability for the most suitable programme.

• Choosing the Right Programme

  How can I choose the right programme and destination?

  We offer a variety of programmes and destinations for players of different ages, rugby levels and development goals.

  Tell us about the player, their rugby background, goals, preferred travel period and any destination preferences. Our team will review the information and recommend the most suitable programme and destination options.

  Depending on the player and length of stay, we may also recommend a combination of programmes, destinations or experiences to create the most appropriate pathway.

• Cultural, Social & Leisure Activities

  Are cultural, social and leisure activities part of the programme?

  Cultural, social and leisure activities are an important part of the overall programme experience, where the programme schedule allows.

  We believe that the development of a young athlete goes beyond rugby training. Experiencing a different culture, meeting new people, communicating in an international environment and sharing everyday experiences all contribute to the personal, social and educational development of the individual.

  Depending on the programme, duration, schedule and destination, participants may take part in cultural visits, excursions, social activities, evening activities and opportunities to discover the local community and way of life.

  Some short or intensive rugby programmes have a particularly full training schedule and may offer limited time for organised excursions. In these programmes, the priority is the rugby training and development experience.

  Whenever included, these activities complement the sporting and language experience and encourage independence, confidence, communication, cultural awareness and personal growth.

  For details about the activities and excursions available with a specific programme, contact us with your preferred programme, destination and dates at info@playrugby.org.

Health, Safety & Welfare

• Health, Safety & Welfare

  How do you support the health, safety and welfare of participants?

  The health, safety and welfare of our participants are central to the organisation of our programmes, particularly when working with children and young athletes travelling away from home.

  Our programmes are organised with appropriate supervision, safeguarding procedures and local support, taking into account the participant's age, programme, accommodation and individual circumstances.

  Participants and families are asked to provide relevant medical, emergency contact and travel information before arrival. Where required, specific programme documentation and medical information must also be completed before participation.

  During the programme, our team, coaches, accommodation providers and local partners work together to support participants and respond to any health, welfare or safeguarding concerns that may arise.

  We also require families to arrange appropriate travel and sports insurance for the participant and to inform us in advance of any relevant medical, dietary or other individual requirements.

  Specific health, safety, supervision and safeguarding arrangements may vary according to the participant's age, programme and destination. Families will receive the relevant information before travel.

Programmes & Player Levels

• Which programmes are available and what player levels do you accept?

  Play Rugby & Rugby Academy offers a wide range of programmes for players of different ages, rugby levels, backgrounds and ambitions. From players developing their skills to experienced and elite-level athletes seeking high-performance training and excellence, we aim to place each player in the programme most suited to their profile and goals.

  Programme selection takes into account the player's age, rugby experience, playing level, position, physical development, educational background and individual objectives. Activities are organised in line with recognised long-term player development principles, World Rugby guidelines and, where applicable, the relevant Age Grade regulations.

  Our programmes focus on rugby development, including individual and positional skills, game understanding, performance development and other specialist areas. Selected programmes may also include workshops, education and additional development opportunities.

  For players who would also like to develop their English, selected programmes incorporate our “Play Rugby and Learn English” approach. English can be developed through a structured language course, through immersion and daily interaction in an international environment, or through a combination of both.

  Players who already have a high level of English or are native English speakers can focus fully on their rugby development while benefiting from the international environment and experience.

  Each season, we review, refine and develop our programmes, introducing new opportunities and locations. For the latest options, contact us with the player's age, rugby profile, preferred location and available dates, and we will advise you on the most suitable programmes.

• Programmes & Player Levels

  We offer a wide range of programmes for players of all rugby levels, ages and ambitions. Each season, we review, refine and develop our programmes, introducing new opportunities and locations.

  For the latest programme options, contact us at info@playrugby.org.

Rugby & Language

• Language Camps

  Our programmes are designed for young athletes aged 8 to 25 who wish to develop their rugby skills and English proficiency through our “Play Rugby and Learn English” method.

  This method combines rugby development with English language learning through two different pathways, which can also be integrated with one another.

  Structured English Language Course
  A structured and recognised English language course integrated into the Rugby Academy programme. Participants who choose this option receive a certificate outlining their language profile.

  English through Immersion and Experience
  Players develop their English naturally by living, training and sharing daily life in an international environment, without the need to attend a formal language course.

  For athletes who already have a high level of English proficiency or are native English speakers, the Rugby Academy provides an international environment focused on rugby development, helping players improve their skills, enhance their game performance and take the next step in their sporting journey.

• Language Course

  What are the features of the English Language Course?

  Our English Language Courses are structured according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and are designed to meet recognised European and international language-learning standards.

  Depending on the programme and location, students may attend up to 15-20 English lessons per week and are placed in a class appropriate to their language level.

  Some intensive English programmes may include approximately 25–30 hours of English language learning per week, depending on the course, location and programme selected.

  English lessons are delivered by qualified and experienced English language teachers with appropriate qualifications for teaching English to international students.

  English Level Assessment
  Students complete an English assessment to determine their current language level and allow them to be placed in the most appropriate class.

  Certificate
  At the end of the course, students receive a certificate confirming their participation and, where applicable, information about their English language level and progress during the programme.

• Language Courses – Quality Standards

  Are the English language courses recognised and quality assured?

  The Play Rugby and Learn English programmes work with selected English language schools and education providers in Ireland and the UK.

  Where applicable, our partner schools and English language courses operate within recognised national education and quality-assurance frameworks and are subject to the relevant standards, inspections and requirements in their country of operation.

  We carefully select our education partners, considering the quality of their courses, teachers, teaching methods, learning environment and overall student experience.

  Specific accreditation or recognition relating to the English language provider used for your programme can be confirmed at the time of booking.

Rugby Training

• What type of rugby training do you offer?

  Play Rugby offers rugby training and development programmes for players of different ages, levels and goals, from players developing their skills to experienced and elite-level athletes seeking high-performance training and excellence.

  Our programmes support the long-term development of the player and promote participation in rugby internationally, following recognised rugby development principles and World Rugby guidelines.

  Depending on the programme, training may include technical and individual skills, positional development, strength and conditioning, game understanding, performance development and training with local players.

  Selected programmes may also include workshops, seminars and educational activities, giving players the opportunity to develop their knowledge of specific areas of rugby alongside their practical training.

• How are players coached and supported during the programme?

  All participants are supported, coached and guided by professional coaches, professional players and experienced teachers, depending on the programme.

  Particular emphasis is placed on individual skills and techniques, mini-unit and team skills, communication and decision-making, including the ability to perform consistently under the pressure of time, space and fatigue.

  The Rugby Academy is open to players of different levels. Our programmes maintain the fun and enjoyment of rugby while promoting rugby's core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship. Enjoyment is considered a fundamental part of the programme.

  We encourage our coaches to use a broad range of coaching styles across the Coaching Continuum – from coach-centred to athlete-centred – including a Game-Based Approach (GBA) where appropriate.

  The coaching approach is adapted to different situations and circumstances, including the players' age, level, experience and physical development. The aim is to progressively increase players' self-awareness, give them greater responsibility for their own learning and develop confidence and self-belief.

Transports

• How is local transport organised during the programme?

  Depending on the programme and location, students may use public or private transport services and, where applicable, a private school bus or organised transport.

  Students need a degree of flexibility to travel between their accommodation, training facilities, classes, activities and places of historical or cultural interest. For this reason, a public or private transport pass for the duration of the stay may be included in the quotation, where required.

  For group bookings, private buses, coaches or other dedicated transport arrangements may be organised according to the programme and group requirements.

  Airport transfers on arrival and departure are arranged by private vehicle with a driver, between the airport and the student's college, residence or host family accommodation.