Emerging Reds Academy Launches to Develop Future Queensland Rugby Stars

Queensland Rugby is set to launch its first Emerging Reds Academy for women next month, a pivotal step in nurturing the state’s best teenage rugby talents. Supported by Rio Tinto, the Academy aims to empower the Reds women’s program by developing its future stars.

Academy Structure and Goals

The Emerging Reds Academy will initially focus on identifying and engaging 20-25 promising rugby athletes aged 16 to 18 from South-East Queensland. the selected athletes will participate in a complete 10-week program, gaining exposure to an elite training environment at the BMS National Rugby Training Centre at Ballymore. The program includes on-field and gym sessions, complemented by nutrition and wellbeing support.

The Academy program is designed to facilitate a smooth transition for select players into the Reds Super Rugby Women’s squad and/or the Queensland Academy of Sport Sevens squad. This initiative marks a notable investment in the future of women’s rugby in Queensland, providing young athletes with the resources and guidance needed to excel at the highest levels of the sport [1].

did You Know? The Queensland Reds Women secured a decisive 55-5 victory against the Melbourne Rebels in Round 5 of Buildcorp Super W, celebrating Women in Rugby Round [2].

Coaching and Management

The tailored program will be led by head coach Mari Belessis, a former elite sevens player and current Reds Sevens squad coach.Belessis will be supported by assistant coach Eddie Aholelei, the Queensland Reds Women’s assistant forwards coach. their combined expertise will provide the young athletes with invaluable guidance and mentorship.

“I am extremely excited to see the advancement of women’s rugby continue with this Emerging Reds academy,” Belessis stated. She emphasized the program’s focus on transferable skills applicable to both sevens and XVs formats, catering to players aspiring to excel in either or both versions of the game.

Pro Tip: Aspiring players should focus on developing core rugby skills, such as passing, tackling, and decision-making, to maximize their chances of selection and success in the Academy.

Selection Process and Training details

Athletes will be selected based on their performances at various events held throughout June and July, in addition to their existing rugby resumes. Key events include the Rio Tinto Talent identification Combines, the Queensland Country Championships in Townsville (June 28-July 1), two City v Country matches (July 6-7), and the Australian schools & Junior Rugby Union Championships on the Sunshine Coast (July 8-13).

Performances at the Queensland Schools State Championships in Toowoomba (June 6-8), the 2024 Next Gen 7s Series, and the Battle of the Border Cup have also been considered. identified athletes will be contacted directly if selected.

The specialist training,conducted twice weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays,will focus on core skills and tactical units on the field. Gym sessions will enhance mobility, strength, and power. Furthermore, the program will create opportunities for one-on-one mentoring with players from the Queensland Reds Super Rugby Women’s squad and Reds Sevens squad.

The Broader Context of Women’s Rugby in Queensland

The launch of the Emerging Reds academy aligns with broader efforts to promote and develop women’s rugby in Queensland. queensland Rugby is committed to making the women’s rugby portfolio attractive to players, spectators, administrators, and funders across all levels [1]. This includes developing comprehensive participation pathways for women players, coaches, referees, managers, and volunteers in every aspect of the game.

Nico Andrade, the Queensland Reds Women’s High Performance Manager, emphasized the importance of the Academy as a crucial step for the women’s game. He highlighted that this pathway will better prepare young players for potential futures with the Reds sevens or XVs squads. The emergence of young talents like Sky-Yvette-Faimalie, who debuted for the Reds at 17, and Madison Pomerenke, who made her Next Gen 7s debut while still in school, underscores the value of supporting developing players at a young age.

What impact do you think this academy will have on the future of women’s rugby in Queensland? How can young female athletes best prepare themselves for opportunities like this?