Academy
Initiated in 2011 in line with the new EPRU Management, the Academy, under the Management of Robbie Kempson, seeks to identify, develop and retain local talent.
The Academy seeks to develop a database of the top schools in the Eastern Province Region from Under-16 players to Under-18 players and provide them with the necessary training and education from a provincial level that will hold them in good stead should they wish to pursue a career in professional rugby.
In particular, the aim of the Academy is to parallel their rugby development with education. Accordingly, a firm emphasis is placed on further education. Academy players are required to pursue education in line with a vocation that is appropriate to each individual thus ensuring a clear path and direction after rugby is over.
The Mission of the Academy is to implement a comprehensive player identification of local talent at grass routes level and develop and educate local talent in the region encompassing the Eastern Cape and Border, and therefore ensuring that a strong and sustainable base of our talent resources remain within the region.
The objectives of the Academy are the develop players who become:
- Highly skilled in all aspects of rugby performance
- Self responsible and self reliant
- On field leaders and decision-makers
- Well balanced rugby players
- Undergo vocational and social development and maintain high personal values
