From Irish internationals to World Cup winners and academy parents — hear what people who've trained with, played under, or sent their children to Rugby Academy Ireland's coaching team have to say.
Dan Van Zyl had a big influence on my rugby and was always a mentor. At Leinster Youths, I could hardly remember a time where I didn't learn something new from him. His love for the game was contagious.Joey CarberyIrish International
Dan is not only an excellent coach technically but very approachable and easy to get along with. He places huge emphasis on the fundamentals of the game such as handling and decision making.Adam ByrneIreland International, Leinster, Irish U20
Dan's coaching undoubtedly built on the skills that I use today but it was off the training pitch where Dan truly taught me a lot. He gave me another chance at Metro when he thought I was ready.Vakh AbdaladzeLeinster, Irish U20
Dan has been a prominent figure in my development as a rugby player. His enjoyable yet challenging methods of coaching established my love for the game.Paul BoyleConnacht, Irish U20 Captain
Dan gave me and many others the knowledge to develop vital skills that enabled us to succeed further in professional rugby. Anyone who is lucky enough to work with Dan won't be disappointed.Jack CartyIreland World Cup 2019
From the beginning Dan proved to be a popular and forward thinking coach. The philosophy and style of play that Dan brought to the squad was exciting and dynamic.Thomas DalyConnacht
I have known Dan 9 years now. Not only was he an excellent player manager but also a great coach. He worked endlessly on my core skills of catch and pass, tackle and kicking.Peter DooleyLeinster, Ireland U20
Through the creation of a positive experience in underage rugby, Dan has helped me carry this enjoyment into my professional rugby career. His enthusiasm and hard work know no boundaries.Tadhg FurlongBritish & Irish Lion, New Zealand, Ireland 6 Nations Winner, Leinster
Dan helped me in my development of understanding the game, improving my skills and taught me to always have enjoyment and bring enthusiasm.Michael KearneyZebre
The principles and values that he instilled in me as a young player are something that I have carried through for my entire career to date and will continue to do so.Eoghan MastersonConnacht Captain, Ireland A, Connacht Pro14 Winner
I found him to be a very good coach who played a key role in my development as a young player. His knowledge of the game and quality man management skills make him a great mentor.Robert McDermottPresident, Leinster Rugby 2015/16
A proper girls programme can benefit these players in many ways — it accelerates their learning by being exposed to high quality coaching and being immersed in a challenging but supportive and enjoyable environment.Conor OliverConnacht, Munster, Ireland U20, Munster Academy
Dan was one of my very first provincial coaches, so it was my first taste of what professional coaching was going to be. He taught me things that I still carry with me in my game today — not just skills but also life skills.Conor OliverConnacht, Munster, Ireland U20
I attended the academy as a new player to rugby after only playing for 1 season. I came out of the camp feeling much more confident about my ability to play the game, and made lots of great friends from all over the world.Zoe BrockWomen's Academy Player, Dubai
The girls will benefit greatly from the Rugby Academy. There are a variety of coaches with excellent experience and knowledge — I wish there were opportunities like this around when I was a teenager!Grace DavittGirl's Rugby Coach
Dan has a very shrewd rugby brain, a very deep and broad knowledge of the tactics and nuances of the game that covered all positions on the field.Fifi CoghlanIrish Sportswoman of the Year, Ireland Women's 6 Nations Winning Captain
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
Dan displayed great enthusiasm towards the Leinster Youth team he coached. Each season he turned out a competitive, well coached, disciplined team, which always played attractive rugby.Greg McWilliamsIreland Senior Women's Coach
Sending our son Stefan to Ireland was one of the biggest decisions of our lives — he also got trials in Italy!Charl du PlessisParent, South Africa
As a father, I could not have asked for a better man to be coaching my son at this time. Dan made it clear what Joey needed to do to gain a starting position and gave him great direction to improve his chances to become a professional rugby player.Joe CarberyFather of Joey Carbery
Our daughter attended the Academy and was new to the game. We were astounded at the difference in her skill level come the next season. She learnt so much about the technical side of rugby as well as nutrition and mental preparation. Would send her again in a heartbeat.Doug & Hilary UpshonParent
The structure, knowledge and expertise provided by RAI enabled my daughter to vastly improve her rugby skills, fitness and decision making. She clearly advanced at a greater rate compared to her rugby peers and attained international honours during her time with RAI.James KingParent of Erin, Full-Time TY Player
A week-long intensive training camp at RAI Academy has just come to an end! An extraordinary experience that we’ll definitely repeat next year. Elite, exceptional coaches who pay close attention to every technical detail of rugby. A comprehensive and holistic camp that can significantly correct and improve the athletic performance of young rugby players! The fact that RAI Academy has all the facilities on campus—a heated pool for recovery, a weight room, a training field, accommodations, and meals—plus a team of extraordinary international coaches makes this camp one of the best in Europe! Thank you to Dan van Zyl, the coaching staff—Fede Gonzales and Johan—RAI Academy, and the entire staff for your support, care, and all the lessons from this week’s camp!Armean Mariana
My son had an incredible experience at the immersive rugby camp! He learned so much, noticeably improved his skills, and most importantly, built great friendships along the way. A huge thank you to Dan and the rest of the RAI coaching team for their dedication, support, and passion — it truly made a difference.Wendy Meyers