KIA ORA, WELCOME TO

THE NEW ZEALAND SPORTS ACADEMY

New Zealand is well known around the world for its striking landscape, diverse environment and unique Maori culture but it is also renowned for its place in international rugby through its team, the 'All Blacks'.

Maori people have always possessed a raw ability and natural exuberance for the game of rugby having produced some of the greatest players, who became famous for their individual brilliance and flair.

These factors mean that there is no better place to play, learn and enjoy rugby than in New Zealand!

WHAT IS THE NEW ZEALAND SPORTS ACADEMY ALL ABOUT?

We offer the only professional, cross-cultural and fully integrated rugby development and career training experience of its kind in the world.

Founded in 1999 and based in the central north island in New Zealand's tourism capital - Rotorua, the NZSA strives to develop young rugby players.

WHO IS INVOLVED IN THE NZSA?

A team of guest coaches will conduct a series of rugby modules throughout the year and will include:

Matt Te Pou, (Maori All Black Coach)

Frano Botica (All Black, Maori All Black, Kiwi League, NZ Warriors & Wigan Representative)

Lipi Sinnott, (Bay of Plenty Steamer's Skills & Defence, Hurricanes Super 12 Player Recovery and Tongan Rugby World Cup Technical Adviser)

Hika Reid, (All Black & Maori All Black, Bay of Plenty Steamers Development Coach 2003)

NZ Sports Academy CEO & Coach Jim Love

Interacting and learning from successful role models & mentor is something we value. Various high profile Maori All Black and Super 12 players such as Kees Meews, Tony Brown, Norm Hewitt, Troy Flavell and Greg Feek have visited the academy to pass on their knowledge and provide advice & support.

NZSA boys with Frank Bunce

NZSA boys with Troy Flavell & Frano Botica

NZSA boys with Rico Gear

Jim Love, Kees Meeuws and Tony Brown

WHAT ARE THE NEW ZEALAND SPORTS ACADEMY PROGRAMMES?

NZSA International Programme (for overseas players/coaches only)

We provide professional rugby tuition for overseas players and coaches (for both individuals and teams) who participate in tailored programmes that champion the principles of success and promote the flamboyance of Maori flair, through intensive rugby regimes conducted by world class coaches & trainers.

Our International Programmes includes:

1.Individual Rugby Development Programme for Players (for Overseas Players only)

2.Customised Rugby Training Camps for Teams & Coaches (for Overseas Players & Coaches only)

Daito Players doing a training drill

NZSA Domestic Programme (for NZ players only)

Each year the NZSA identifies and recruits around 25 young players (17-25yrs) from all over New Zealand who join the academy for 38 weeks, where they attend career-based courses and complete the NZSA rugby Development Programme.

Our Domestic Programme includes:

1.NZSA Domestic Rugby Development Programme (for NZ Players only)

NZ Sports Academy doing the Haka

NZ Sports Academy doing the Haka

WHAT FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE?

A small focused team are based at the academy's world class facility at the Rotorua International Stadium, where students in 2004 will train and play. Heated swimming pools and indoor training facilities are available and we also make use of our beaches, lakes & forests as natural training venues.

"Be part of the experience!!"

The city of Rotorua is renowned for its rich Maori heritage and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Located in the centre of the North Island of New Zealand, Rotorua is only a two and half hour drive from Auckland, the main city of New Zealand. The Rotorua region covers 261,700 hectares and has a population of almost 70,000 people.

Pristine native bush, sparkling lakes and geothermal hot pools are mere minutes from the centre of the city, and surf beaches and ski fields are less than one and a half hours' drive away.

Within the District itself, most attractions are based around its two greatest assets - geothermal features and the lakes. Both are directly attributable to continuing volcanic activity, which has formed and reformed the landscape.

Because of its relatively high altitude, the District's climate, while changeable, can be expected to provide warm dry summers and cool, dry, frosty winters.

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES

In 2001, an international rugby training programme was introduced at the academy.

Players and teams from the United States of America, Japan, Argentina and Italy have already participated in rugby exchanges, choosing from the range of training and cultural experience options available.

If you are an international team member or an individual player -you will be directed by international coaches and train & play with young kiwi men whose goals are to develop as players and grow as people.

Former All Black Tony Brown demonstrates kicking techniques with one of the NZSA students

CHOOSE FROM OUR TWO INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES:

-Individual Rugby Development Programme for Players-Customised Rugby Training Camps for Teams & Coaches