Academy Structure
Accelerating the journey from promising talent to elite performance.
The Yorkshire Rugby Academy is all about identifying Yorkshire’s top rugby talent and creating a pathway for them to reach an elite level of rugby union. To do this we need to give them access to structured support, coaching, and opportunities to grow within the game, and so our entire academy is structured in a way that provides this, following the RFU Player Pathway. As players grow through the pathway, they learn about themselves as a player, person, athlete and member of their rugby family.
Where the journey begins.
Yorkshire’s schools and club rugby teams are central to the Academy’s talent pathway. This is where our process begins; identifying players who show the potential to progress towards elite-level rugby.
We work in close partnership with schools and clubs across the region to ensure players have multiple opportunities to be seen. This includes teacher or coach nominations, as well as visits from members of our team to observe players in their regular playing environments.
Throughout the year, we have assessment windows taking the view of ‘many eyes, many times’, giving players multiple opportunities to be seen. We're looking for individuals who demonstrate the skills, attitude, and behaviours required to join our Foundation Phase — the first formal stage of the Yorkshire Rugby Academy pathway.
The Yorkshire Rugby Academy Pathway
International or Premiership Deals
As we aren’t linked to a specific premiership team, our players have lots of opportunity.
Academy League
Our U18s Academy League team consists of our strongest players, being exposed to the highest standard of Academy Rugby.
Development Group
U16s and U17 players who we see potentially making it to our U18s Academy League Group.
Development Group
U16s and U17 players who we see potentially making it to our U18s Academy League Group.
SCHOOLS & CLUBS
(U15 & UP)
Schools and Clubs
Players get nominated from across Yorkshire.
PDG Foundation Phase (U15s and Under 16s)
The PDG (Player Development Group) Foundation Phase is the entry point into our player development system and focuses on U15 and U16 age groups. This phase replaces the previous Developing Player Programme (DPP) and provides a more structured and regionally focused development pathway for aspiring rugby players.
Key points:
Training aligned to national curriculum
Regular, consistent and structured training sessions
Competitive rugby through internal fixtures and festivals
U16s compete in Intra and Inter regional fixtures
Entry is by nomination
Doncaster knights RFC,
Armthorpe Road,
Doncaster, England, DN2 5QB
West Park Leeds RUFC,
The Sycamores,
Leeds, England, LS16 9JR
Bishop Burton College,
York Road,
Beverley, England, HU17 8QG
To reduce travel and focus on identifying and nurturing talent, the Foundation Phase is run at three regional centres. These centres provide consistent access to quality coaching throughout the season. Sessions are led by a combination of full-time Academy coaches and qualified part-time coaches, with an emphasis on developing both core rugby skills and athletic performance.
Development Group (Top U16s and U17s)
At the end of every February, selected U16 players from our PDG group will progress into the central academy group, where they will train alongside U17 players, preparing them for the intense summer programme where they join the under 18s age group. This is what we call our development phase, where players refine their skills and gain experience in high-level competition. Players within this group have demonstrated exceptional ability, commitment and growth.
Players in this group benefit from a comprehensive support programme including:
Strength and conditioning
Nutrition education
Physiotherapy and medical care
Psychological development and performance mindset training
Tactical and technical on-field education
Academy League (Under 18s)
The U18 Academy League is an annual competition that allows players to benchmark themselves against leading academies nationwide, supporting progression within the Player Pathway. It is the final stage of the pathway and designed to prepare players for life as an elite level rugby player.
Key points:
Aligned to the England Rugby Player Development Framework.
Three key development windows - Summer, October half-term and post Christmas.
Expectations around time, training intensity, and off-field standards increase.
Enhanced support in all areas as mentioned in the development phase.
Supporting players beyond 18 – guiding the next step
Our commitment to player development extends beyond the pitch. For players aged 18 and above, we provide personalised support to help navigate life’s next steps, whether that’s pursuing higher education, apprenticeships, entering full-time employment, or securing a professional rugby contract.
Starting the academy journey
Being selected to join the Yorkshire Rugby Academy is a key step for any young player with aspirations in the game. Most players enter the programme through nominations from their school or club, recognising not just ability, but the potential to develop further within a high-performance environment.
Each Academy centre runs events throughout the year where nominated players can showcase their skills. Those who stand out may be invited to join the programme and begin their journey on the player pathway.
We also understand that players develop at different rates. That’s why there are opportunities to be nominated — or re-nominated — at various points in the season. It’s a flexible process that ensures players aren’t missed just because they’re not ready at a single moment in time.
We’re always interested in hearing about players who show the potential to become future stars. So, if you’ve seen a player that really shines, put them on our radar by nominating them below.
SEEN A PLAYER THAT SHINES?
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SEEN A PLAYER THAT SHINES? //