Coaches that played and coached at international and olympic level will share their knowledge and experience.
Using modern coaching methods and adaptive games, they create an enjoyable learning environment that helps players prepare for the unique skills associated with rugby 7’s.
Players build confidence, leadership, problem-solving abilities, and a goal-oriented mindset. These are valuable qualities that will support them throughout their rugby journey and beyond.
RAI also believe in participation in global rugby 7’s tournaments, since it serve a vital role in player development, cultural exchange, and the global tradition of the sport. We successfully competed and won in tournaments in the USA, Austria and South Africa. Players that attend the RAI 7’s clinics will get the opportunity to represent the Rugby Academy Ireland team at these exciting tournaments.
Through the delivery of our rugby programs 3 Alumni players Erin King, Alanah Fitzpatrick and Lucia Linn have represented Ireland on the 7’s circuit including Olympics. Rugby Academy Ireland attendees also represented the USA, Malta, Belgium, Canada, Mexico, South Africa 7’s Academy, Ireland Universities, UAE, Singapore and Poland to name a few.
RAI Coaches have also excelled on the International stage.
Massey Tuhakaraina played for New Zealand and is a coach in high demand that currently coaches the National woman’s 7’s team of Sweden.
Anna Lena Swartch is the national under age coach for Sweden 7’s.
Tom Biggs that’s running our current 7’s program is a 4 time World Series winner with England and currently coaching the 7’s program in Thailand.
Alison Miller who represented Ireland in both 7’s and 15’s and coaches on a regular basis in RAI.
Anna Caplice have recently been the coach of Laos and continue to grow her coaching reputation.
Director Johan Taylor has also achieved huge honours coaching 7’s having coached Sri Lanka as well as being involved in youth coaching where he has won the Tampa u18 7’s title.
Co owner Dan van Zyl is also in high demand on the 7’s and 10’s circuits having coached at Tampa 7’s but also at International tournaments in Portugal, SA and the USA where his coached seasoned internationals from all over the world in both formats of the game.
My daughters were introduced to the Rugby Tens and also World Club rugby 7's through Rugby Academy Ireland.David Wilson
My experience of the Rugby Academy is a hugely positive one - it is clear to see Dan and Johan’s passion for the game and their rugby philosophy will have a positive impact on the girls and boys of the RAI.Allison MillerRugby Academy Ireland Girl's Coach
As Keira developed in her rugby career in the USA, we realised that we needed to get her more specific coaching and skills development than what was available to her locally.Phillipa SnymanParent of Keira, USA
After carefully considering rugby academy programmes in the USA, it became obvious to us that the most beneficial experience for her to get hands-on and position specific coaching for her focus on her 7s aspirations, would be in Ireland with Rugby Academy of Ireland.
We needed the experience to be in a high performance environment with a focus on 7s. As such, Keira traveled to Ireland for two High Performance training experiences, during the course of two years, where she was exposed to 7s skills and game development. The physical training and high performance sessions gave her a good understanding of the demands of competitive 7s games. And most importantly, the opportunity to understand position specific requirements.
Currently, Keira is part of the SA Women's 7s programme. A testament to the training she has received in her journey to achieve her aspirations. Thanks to Rugby Academy of Ireland.