Rugby Academy Ireland has developed a comprehensive educational curriculum that complements practical and theoretical rugby training. We recommend players enrol on one or more of the courses below — our daily programme includes study time to help players achieve their chosen academic qualification.
Students who study with us can achieve qualifications in Exercise & Fitness Instruction and Personal Training at EQF levels 3 & 4 through our flexible learning pathway, plus a range of additional industry-ready awards including Strength & Conditioning.
Completing the core and specialist modules earns the ITEC Diploma in Exercise & Fitness Instruction — the qualifications needed for entry-level fitness industry jobs. Completing the full programme (Planning & Instructing Personal Training Sessions, Anatomy & Physiology, Nutrition for Physical Activity) earns the ITEC Diploma in Personal Training.
Players attain a certificate in basic sports video analysis, plus four SAQ Continuum courses covering the physical and analytical foundations of performance.
Covers dynamic warm-up design, mechanics of movement and neural activation — the foundation of moving faster on the pitch. Certified by timed, supervised MCQ.
Reaction, anticipation and quick starts, agility development and change of direction, plus how to programme the SAQ Continuum for all ages and standards.
Components of fitness for rugby, stamina and endurance programming, and strength & power development through circuit, bodyweight and weight training.
Functional screening to identify muscular compensations, and the corrective exercises needed to address them — assessed via a live Functional Screen.
Basic sports video analysis training — an increasingly essential skill as analysis becomes standard at every level of the professional and amateur game.
In partnership with former USA 7s international and World Rugby commentator Dallen Stanford — lead commentary, colour commentary and sideline reporting.
Players receive the following certification throughout the year, alongside learning aspects of coaching at different levels.
The pathway demands commitment, discipline, practice, hard work, dedication, sacrifice, respect, skill and technique — but graduates leave equipped for careers on and off the pitch.
Contact us to find out more about ITEC qualifications, certification courses and career pathways at RAI.