Players of the International Rugby Institute in action for the Naka Bulls. One of the few "proper" rugby academies.
In Episode 7 of our Planning your future star's career, we look at the rugby academies in South Africa. Personally, I do feel that rugby academies by private individuals/companies have no place in South Africa's rugby structures.
There are no criteria set by SARU as a "regulating authority" assisting parents and players when deciding if and/or when they have to make decisions in planning your kid's rugby future and him attending a rugby academy.
Rugby Unions are also guilty of the explosion in the number of academies. Some Unions allow these academies to compete in their club structures while some Unions even accredit these academies as official academies of a Union.
Follow the discussion and make up your own mind.
I have been to quite a lot of academies and must admit apart from two or three at the most, rugby academies are only a money-making scheme that preys on the desperation of parents and players.
Bart and I decided to invite any academy in South Africa to allow us to visit and give our opinion.