Academy
To download a copy of the Academy application form click here
The New Brighton Rugby Academy was established in 2004 to provide a pathway for promising rugby players (mostly school leavers). Set up by Rugby Development officer Roddy Butt, the club wants to help players reach their potential as players and people and help secure and continue the strength of New Brighton rugby. Roddy says 'I see an important part of my role is to think back when I was a player and ask myself what I wanted in a club and if we can provide those things than we should be a great option for a young player who may be looking for a club after their High School Rugby'. He sees the important issues as;
1. Great team culture, which we always seem to have but need to continue. Enjoy rugby on and off the field.
2. Great Coaches. Team coaches and Resource Coaches of top quality and ensuring they continue to up skill.
3. First class gym. Lucky to have QEII so close for gym and pools with quality trainers.
4. Facilities.We have 5 grounds with a sand base with plenty of room for training. The club rooms is good with a large room to train inside on the very wet nights. The future is exciting with plans well under way to build a $5 million sports complex in Rawhiti domain in conjuction with 5 other sports clubs, golf, tennis, netball, bowls and softball. When this is completed our club will have the best facilities in the South Island.
5. The club is in a stong position looking to the future with numbers up the last 2 years with a very strong junior section. Quality volunteers throughout the club will ensure continues to to be proactive and thrive moving forward.
Some of the coaches envolved with the club and academy will give players every opportunity to be the next Isaac Ross, Tyson Keats or Ryan Crotty. These coaches include;
Steve Crotty.
Div 1 Head Coach. IRB level 3 coach.Former New Brighton player. Coached Canterbury Junior sides for many years with lots of success years Shirley Boys High first 15 coach. Made the top four 2 of those 3 years.
Roddy Butt.
RDO.Coached div 1 for Christchurch 2002,MLU 2006-07. Canterbury Country Senior Coach 2006-07.Won Craw shield v town 2007. 3 years professional coach in Japan 2002-05.Coached Nagasaki at World Youth tournament in 2003. Canterbury Metro Colts coach 2008-09.Canterbury Metro under 20s coach 2008 unbeaten season. IRB level 3 coach (Advanced).
Wayne Burleigh.
Current Canterbury B coach.Former New Brighton player and coach. Former Canterbury and South Island player.IRB level 4 coach.
Dave Perrin.
IRB level 4 coach. Former Canterbury and now New Zealand Rugby Union Rugby Development Officer. Former New Brighton player and coach.