Ireland’s independent rugby training centre, Rugby Academy Ireland, has launched the 2021/2022 Transition Year programme, which includes an inaugural TY scholarship award, for 4th year students in Ireland.
Based in Kildare, the academy provides full-time and part-time rugby courses for students and rugby players across a variety of age groups and performance levels. This year, one lucky transition year pupil will benefit from international rugby coaching, training, game analysis and more, free of charge, thanks to the launch of the new scholarship programme at RAI.
Developed with new Physical Education Leaving Certificate subject in mind, the RAI Transition Year course aims to provide students with a rewarding TY experience while fulfilling their potential as rugby players.
“The Rugby Academy Ireland TY programmes give young people a great opportunity to fuel their passion for rugby and sport, whilst also studying performance, nutrition, tactics, physical fitness and mental wellbeing. Whether participating as a day pupil or boarding with the RAI, the TY programme is a formative, personal and physical development programme for teenagers at a critical time in their lives. We are particularly delighted to announce our inaugural TY scholarship this year and invite students to apply now,” said World Rugby Educator & RAI Director Johan Taylor.
Founded by former Springbok, Leinster U18, U19 mens and women’s rugby coach, Dan Van Zyl alongside Asian Nation Cup winning national coach and IRB qualified coach Johan Taylor, Rugby Academy Ireland is based on the grounds of the Kilashee Hotel, Kildare and attracts young people with a passion for rugby from all over Ireland and around the world. Students have access to world class facilities onsite including several grass and astroturf pitches, a 25-metre swimming pool, fully equipped, state of the art gymnasium, video analysis suites, Norma-Tec recovery rooms, sports therapy and hydrotherapy. Many RAI Alumni have gone to successful professional rugby careers in Ireland and internationally.
Parents and students are invited to experience Rugby Academy Ireland directly by attending the upcoming TY Open Day, which takes place on 11th and 24th of July 2021 or by visiting www.rugbyacademyireland.ie. Applicants for the RAI TY Scholarship should apply directly by email to RAI Director Johan Taylor (johan@rugbyacademyireland.ie).
Rugby Academy Ireland is also approved to deliver An Gaisce, The President’s Award which is a self development programme for young people between the ages of 15-25.
