Talent
Identification
Creating a legacy of excellence.
Identifying talent is vital to the long-term success of Yorkshire Rugby Academy. We want to find and support promising players early, so that we can help them develop the skills, mindset, and experience needed to reach their potential - both on and off the pitch.
Our talent identification process.
A huge part of our strategy is centred around making sure the player development pathway is as accessible as possible, reducing barriers to entry and creating multiple opportunities for talent to be recognised. That is why we take a three-pronged approach to talent identification.
Schools and Clubs Nominations
Teachers and coaches play a vital role in helping us identify players with potential. Through formal nominations (link to nominations page), we’re made aware of those who are performing well in their current teams and show promise for playing at an elite level.
Regional Observations
Our Academy coaches regularly attend school fixtures, club games, and festivals across Yorkshire. This allows us to observe players in their current environments and get a better understanding of their on-field performance and off-field attitude.
Academy Assessments
Each of our foundation centres holds assessment weeks where nominated players can showcase their skills in a focused setting. Sessions within these weeks help us assess whether a player is ready to join our Development Group — the entry point to the Academy pathway.
Our development pathway entry points.
While there are pathway guidelines in place, we understand that development isn’t always linear. That’s why we maintain a flexible approach to entry and exit, allowing players to join or rejoin at multiple points throughout the pathway.
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Entry into the Foundation Phase is typically through club or school nominations. Each academy centre hosts events where players can showcase their abilities (aligned to our STAR model). Successful players will be invited to join the programme.
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While selection into the Development Phase typically occurs through progression from the Foundation Phase, entry points remain flexible. Players who demonstrate exceptional potential during the year may be invited to join the Development Phase at various stages. This phase is a critical step in preparing players for the demands of elite rugby, ensuring they are physically, mentally, and tactically ready to compete at the highest levels.
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Using the Foundation Phase as the wide base from which to identify and select players for Academy development opportunities, there are a number of options for players and a number of crossover points for sharing of information and cooperative and collaborative working. This phase is invite only, with no formal assessment windows occurring. Initial selection of a number of players happens in September / October from Foundations/Development groups. Players will continue to be monitored throughout the season and additions will be made continually as required.
What we’re looking for.
Our main goal is to identify potential, so we’re not just looking for individuals who are good at rugby. We want to find the players who demonstrate the skills, behaviours and attitude needed to play at an elite level. That’s why we always follow the S.T.A.R model during our selection process.
S.T.A.R
S.T.A.R
SKILLFUL
TACTICALLY AWARE
ATHLETIC POTENTIAL
RECEPTIVE
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? //