Regions

Leicester Tigers Academy operates four satellite centres across a geographical region that covers Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Staffordshire and Norfolk.

The EPDG programme is a major step onto the elite player development pathway and is placed above CB representative rugby and the new RFU Schools of Rugby initiative (SOR). Players are selected from this programme into the full Tigers Academy.

All centres are managed by a head coach, with three support coaches, who operate a curriculum focused on four key rugby elements (Breakdown, Contact Skills, Catch & Pass and Game Sense). This programme in line with our holistic approach from 2010 will incorporate a physical literacy programme to complement the rugby development. This will ensure our aspiring young players are suitably educated and equipped with the essential physical foundations for professional sport.

EPDG Locations

Talent Identification

A player who is identified as showing the potential to become a future Leicester Tigers player will be invited to attend one of the four centres located nearest to them.

Selection is generally from CB-based programmes although, through our scouting network, players may be invited directly into the programme.

Players still continue to play for their schools and club sides as well as CB representative sides during their time within the EPDG programme.

Assessment process

All players within the programme are observed and assessed across all components of performance at their centre. Specific feedback is given via the Head Coach and suitable development plans structured and implemented.

Players are recommended from their individual centres and invited to attend a number of skill and game assessments at Oval Park under the eye of the Academy staff.

Exit routes

Players are invited to attend an EPDG for one season at a time. Feedback and de-selection is managed by the Head Coach or coaches from that centre. When players are deselected we always monitor their progress through our scouting network and some players are invited back into the programme at a later stage.

Under-16 Year

This is an important year for all under-16 players within the EPDG programme. All players are expected to be available for CB selection and other representative sides. Priority will be given to the national selection programme throughout this year.

At times we have still invited players into the full programme who are not selected for their individual CB side or, indeed, do not progress beyond that stage.

Players that are not invited into the full Academy will be released from the EPDG programme to concentrate on their studies, normally towards the end of January.

If you have any queries regarding the EPDG programme please contact our Talent Identification co-ordinator Clive Galloway at Clive.galloway@tigers.co.uk

Academy Trials

We do not hold open trials for entry into the Academy programme. Most players are selected from our Elite Player Development Groups.

However, we operate an extensive scouting network that refers players directly to the Academy for consideration. While we recognise that some players develop late, the entry standard is extremely high for a trial opportunity.

For further information regarding a trial period please email neil.mccarthy@tigers.co.uk for players aged over 16 or clive.galloway@tigers.co.uk for players aged 14 -16.

For any information in relation to the RFU Schools of Rugby initiative please contact Darren Gourley, the RFU Regional Talent ID & Development coach, email DarrenGourley@rfu.com

If you are looking to join a club then we suggest you contact Jenna Studley, the RFU Rugby Development Officer (RDO) for Leicestershire. She has links with all local clubs and would be able to recommend a club that fits your needs. Email
jennastudley@rfu.com