Academy venture to remove barrier to rugby careers

A rugby training academy in Canterbury is aiming to level the playing field by removing socio-economic barriers for students.

The ACE Academy opens on Wednesday and is a joint venture between Canterbury Rugby club and the city's Archbishop's School.

The programme offers professional level rugby training to 16 to 19-year-olds alongside their studies as well as rugby coaching and refereeing qualifications.

England international Alex Lowzoski and former All Blacks' full back John Gallagher will open the academy.

Students will receive two hours of rugby training four times a week under the Rugby Football pathway programme.

The course will be run by Canterbury's head of player pathway Nathan Morris as well as coaches Matt Corker, Alice Hayward and Ella Jenkins.

Mr Morris said: "We wish to provide high quality coaching as well as creating opportunities for the young people of East Kent.

"We have been very lucky to have great support from our sponsors who will also support the students with work experience and career advice.”

Senior students from Archbishop's School will begin training at the academy from September 2024.

Head Teacher David Elliott said: “The Academy programme will further enhance our sports offer at the school."