The Welsh Rugby Union secured Objective 1 funding in March 2005 to deliver an Academy programme for elite rugby players identified as potential, future professional rugby players; a project which is called “The Welsh Rugby Industry”. The £3.66m project was and continues to be backed by £1.62m of Objective 1 funds from the Welsh Assembly Government.

The Academy programme recognises the importance professional rugby can have in Wales in terms of instilling confidence in the nation, lifting aspirations (not just in sport); putting Wales on the European and world stage, raising awareness about the country internationally; encouraging sports tourism (visiting teams, fans) and repeat visits starting from these sport visits, as well as motivating individuals to participate in sport and recreation, thereby encouraging a healthier Wales.

The academies have the responsibility for educating and training the potential elite player, but do not field any specific competing teams. There are four geographic academies linked to the regional structure of professional rugby in Wales (Blues, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets) and a fifth serving the women’s game on an all-Wales basis.

The Objective 1 award match funding finances the costs of Wales's Regional Community Development Managers and Regional Player Development Managers along with other personnel and overhead costs, allowing the Welsh Rugby Union to be able to employ four Regional Academy Managers and an additional seven coaches; four regional conditioning coaches and three central resource coaches, plus a Women’s Academy Co-ordinator.

What is an Academy?
The Academy is an integrated support service for young elite players managed by professional staff, appointed between WRU and the Regions with the rugby development and playing commitments of academy players controlled by their relevant Academy Manager

Key Elements of an Academy:
a) Individual player track and analysis
b) Individual programmes based on the player’s individual needs
c) Skills coaching – individual and unit skill development
d) Conditioning – fitness, strength & power, and testing procedures
e) Education on nutrition
f) Sports Psychology, for example goal-setting and imagery
g) Performance & Lifestyle advice - education, vocation, values and lifestyle management
h) Medical support and insurance advice

In essence, the Academy gives total professional advice and guidance as to how the individual can achieve his/her potential as a person on and off the field of play and offers its staff the opportunity to work with elite players; to fully extend themselves and to follow a top class Continual Professional Development programme that is designed to improve both the staff members and his/her charges.

Women’s Rugby
Although the project principally addresses the men’s elite game, it recognises that women’s rugby is a fast growing sport in Wales and the position of women within the professional and semi-professional game is also addressed and improved, through its inclusion in the structure. The Women's National Academy aims to raise the profile of women in the industry and demonstrate the role they have to play in the developing rugby industry. Reflecting this, the project employs a National Women’s Academy Co-ordinator to ensure the template for training standards continues to be adopted by the women’s sector providing training for the growing all-Wales Women’s Academy.

‘Climbing Higher’
The Welsh Rugby Union’s Academy initiative directly reflects the Welsh Assembly Government’s ‘Climbing Higher’ sport and recreation strategy. ‘Climbing Higher’ states the following aims which also form an integral part of thinking and process behind the Welsh Rugby Industry Project:

“Wales needs systematic and sustainable success in the sports that matter most to us.”

“Men’s and women’s rugby union teams will have achieved a sustainable position in the top 5 of world rankings."

“International sporting success boosts our national self esteem. By doing well …. we can enhance our international profile in the best way possible.”

“Supporting the effective organisation of sport at all levels.”

“Use public investment to help to provide a strong talent identification and development pathway for athletes wherever they live in Wales, focused on priority sports. Support the establishment of world-class national academy facilities for rugby & football. Encourage the development and improvement of regional academies that maximise the education sector and community links to professional sports clubs and elite sports facilities.”

In conclusion, the ethos behind the project, in addition to the benefits to the individuals and the Welsh economy, is that improved players are produced and fed through into the national team, thus by achievement, supporting “Climbing Higher”. This is done by developing individuals who are able to make informed decisions on and off the pitch.