What is the Academy?

The Ospreys Academy is at the hub of the Osprey player development system, comprising a support service for identified elite young players in the Region managed by professional members of staff as a joint initiative between the Ospreys and the WRU. It is the bridge between age-group and premiership rugby to senior Osprey rugby. The Academy programme supports each individual, both on and off the field, to achieving their full potential. Specifically, the players receive specialist inputs across a range of disciplines synonymous with the development of world class athletes. These key elements are as follows:

Technical and Tactical Development and Support

This comprises a practical core and individual skills programme run by Gruff Rees, Ospreys Skills coach with assistance from Elite Youth Development Officer, Garin Jenkins. Each player undertakes an annual calendar of activity that includes a full rugby curriculum that is aligned to the 1st XV programme. Also, each individual receives technical 1 to 1 support to support their positional development which is also underpinned by tactical development. This is run with the assistance of Gethin Jones, Ospreys Analyst, who co-ordinates all age-group and premiership footage which enables analysis and reflection for players and staff.

Physical Development and Support

This programme is co-ordinated by Keith Holifield, Ospreys Conditioning Coach, incorporating strength, speed, power and endurance work that enables all individuals to reach their physical potential. It is a carefully monitored process with rigid testing protocols; this means that progress is measured at regular intervals and players have a full understanding of how to improve in areas that will impact on their game.

Psychological Development and Support

In preparing players for the professional game it is now commonly accepted that players come under numerous internal and external pressures that can influence performance. As such, our programme includes a support service that is run by Steve Mellalieu, senior lecturer at Swansea University who specialises in sport and exercise psychology (and is a former Welsh Schools Rugby international). He sees players on a needs basis whilst running an annual programme of workshops that broaden the players outlook and approach to their training and games.

Nutrition Development and Support

A well balanced diet is obviously synonymous with a healthy lifestyle. For professional rugby players good nutrition strategies in training, before and during competition and throughout the recovery period can help you maximise their performance. As such, Rhian Owens, who works for the Sports Council for Wales and is a registered sports and exercise nutritionist with a wealth of experience with competitive athletes, offers 1 to 1 support to the Academy players and also runs an annual programme of workshops.

Holistic Development and Support

In developing the full potential of each rugby player, it is imperative that the whole person is considered and support offered that considers all the various influences, behaviours and standards that impact on the ability of each person to reach his potential. To achieve maximum growth Julie Britton, who is a life coach with a company called Commit to Action, works through a programme that has been specially adapted for elite young athletes. It ties in closely to Osprey vision, standards and behaviours and enables all players to contribute fully to their own and others development in the Academy.

In addition we work in partnership with Alun Davies, the WRU Performance Lifestyle manager, in helping players with education guidance, employment and career advice and lifestyle support. Therefore, we can work closely with each player to ensure that he has a practising vocation and / or course away from the rugby field. We firmly believe that this helps develop a more rounded individual with balance away from the constant rigours of training and playing.