Armidale Rugby Camp providing unique opportunity in regional NSW

For many young girls and boys in regional areas keen on the idea of playing or learning more about the game of Rugby, the annual New England Mutual National Rugby Camp currently taking place in Armidale is one of the best opportunities on offer. 

Hosted by Armidale each year in January, the national Rugby Union Camp this year saw over 230 participants enrol to take part at the University of New England from Sunday 13 – Wednesday 16 January. And with almost 300 children involved each year, there’s no doubt many youngsters in regional areas are keen on the game of Rugby.

Now in its 13th year, the 4-day camp provides players between the ages of 8 and 16 years of age with the unique opportunity to develop Rugby specific skills on and off the field.

Those taking part in the camp are being put through their paces by NSW Community Rugby Development staff with Rugby specific skills and drills before having the chance to play in a series of cross-field Rugby Sevens games at the conclusion of the four days.

NSW Waratahs’ talent Pat McCutcheon and newly signed, Sam Lane will fly to Armidale to make guest appearances on the final day of the camp and will cast their eye over the talent and offer tips to all those involved.

The camp is also a great opportunity for the 20 volunteer coaches from across the North West region of NSW who are invited to the camp each year to learn and assist the Development staff in the running of the on-field skills and drills.

With special guest Qantas Wallabies Scrum Coach, Andrew Blades, attending the first day of the camp, the volunteer coaches were given exclusive insight into Rugby coaching at the highest order as part of their professional development at the camp.

A feature of this year’s camp is the involvement of University of New England students from the Exercise & Sports Science department. The students are conducting a study to measure each participant’s metabolic cost over the duration of the camp.  They will also measure the overall health benefits using GPS tracking & data.

With scholarships, live-in options and a sports pack on offer for each participant, the Camp provides a great Rugby learning experience on and off the field for many young girls and boys and coaches involved.

For more information on the camp got to http://www.nationalrugbycamps.com.au/