Academy FAQ

HOW DOES A PLAYER ENTER THE ACADEMY PROCESS?

Players primarily come into the Junior Academy via local School & Club Rugby Teams. Most will have been selected through a Legion Talent Assessment morning or have been invited off the back of consistent excellence at their clubs or schools.

WHAT IS THE LEGION RUGBY ACADEMY AND WHAT DOES IT DO?

The Academy's vision is to provide a high-performance learning environment that inspires and maximizes one’s development through high-quality shared experiences and relationships.

The pathway for each Academy player is aimed at becoming a professional rugby player, but we also support and signpost players to continue their rugby journey in other settings, such as universities, clubs, or overseas partners. 

WHAT DOES THE ACADEMY PROCESS LEAD TO?

Ultimately, the Academy exists to provide a Pathway that develops players to MLR and International playing standards and therefore become professional rugby players for the Legion. Many will not make the top level, but as an Academy, we aim to equip all players with skills and experience that will help them continue within the sport at whichever level.

WHAT HAPPENS IF AN ACADEMY PLAYER DOESN'T MAKE THE GRADE?

Combining rugby with a suitable academic/vocational and career development plan is something we are keen to promote as an Academy.

It is important for players and parents to know that, at present, there are only 300 full-time players within the American system, many of these from overseas. There are currently some 150 regional Academy players already in the system, and it is incredibly difficult to get a professional contract.

ARE JUNIOR ACADEMY PLAYERS CONTRACTED?

No.

ARE ACADEMY PLAYERS COVERED BY LEGION MEDICAL INSURANCE?

No. All players selected for the Academy must be members of USA Rugby via their club, school, or Legion Academy, USA Rugby CIPP’d, and/or have their own Medical insurance policy.

WHAT CAN THE ACADEMY OFFER?

A player selected for Academy entry will be directed into a long-term, skill development program that is geared to ensuring that his capabilities as a rugby player are maximized. The athlete will be supported by Academy staff, specialist coaches, sports scientists, and other specialists appointed by the Academy Manager. All areas of physical, technical, tactical, and psychological development will be supported, as well as game understanding, video analysis, and a competitive program appropriate to the player's personal development.

HOW CAN I QUALIFY FOR SELECTION TO THE LEGION RUGBY ACADEMY?

The first step is attending an Academy assessment/combine morning. Players who attend one of these sessions will be assessed in the following areas:

• Technical accuracy and positional skills
• Physical qualities
• Tactical and game awareness
• Mindset and attitude

Those selected to become part of the Academy must demonstrate high potential in at least two or more of the areas outlined above. Academy athletes will be expected to take ownership of driving their own standards, learning, and development by inputting into an Individual Development Plan.

WILL I STILL GO TO SCHOOL/COLLEGE?

Yes. It is vital that players pursue their education as well as their development as rugby players. Rugby players retire early (generally in their 20s) and few will earn sufficient amounts to not have to work beyond that. Injuries, too, can interrupt a rugby career, so it is important to have an alternative career path to turn to.

The best rugby players are those who can apply themselves across a number of disciplines. Education/vocational targets will be set and must be met by all Academy athletes.

WHO WILL I PLAY FOR?

The competitive program for each player in the Academy will be personally planned. The Academy Director will work closely with our relevant stakeholders to advise on a program of matches geared to maximize his individual rugby development. Academy players will only be required to play for teams/squads that provide levels of competitive exposure appropriate for this development.

Players will play no more than 32 games per season which will include:

• School Rugby Games
• Club Rugby Games
• Junior Academy Games
• USA All-American Games

WILL I AUTOMATICALLY BECOME A PROFESSIONAL RUGBY PLAYER AND PLAY FOR THE LEGION?

No. There are no guarantees. Whilst the Academy will give every assistance to helping players, progress to a full-time contract and selection for the Legion or USA Eagles will be down to the speed of development and personal drive, and ambition.

DO I HAVE TO PAY TO BE IN THE ACADEMY?

Legion Community Foundation supports the high-performance, long-term skill development program, and although the Legion Academy is not a pay-to-play model, there may be costs from time to time to offset travel or kit.

"The Academy is critical to the development of rugby and is so important in helping to keep a strong unit with the local area and our roots in and around San Diego and Southern California. Many of our past and current players have come through the Academy and we are keen to see this continue and grow as we move closer towards reaching our target of 50% homegrown players by 2026"

Principle Owner, Ryan Patterson