TAFE Queensland and Queensland Rugby Union sign onto study

As part of TAFE Queensland’s Academy of Sport program, year 10, 11 or 12 students will learn in an active and engaging environment with professional Rugby 7s coaches while undertaking a Certificate II in Sport Coaching (SIS20321).

TAFE Queensland General Manager Brent Kinnane said introducing a Rugby-specific qualification was necessary for the professionalism of the sport, particularly in the lead-up to the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.

“This partnership will allow our students to work with professional Rugby coaches to equip them with the skills to pursue coaching opportunities on and off the Rugby field while completing a nationally recognised coaching qualification,” Mr Kinnane said.

“This will allow the students to enter and work in the professional Rugby industry and ensure that Rugby 7s attracts the highest quality players and support staff in the lead-up to the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.”

“It’s a great opportunity for both partners to add value to the students and the sport as we go for gold in the coming decade,” said Mr Kinnane.

Students will spend one day per week undertaking strength and conditioning, sports-specific training and athlete development workshops as part of the program.

Sessions are combined with theory and hands-on delivery to advance student learning and are delivered at Ballymore Stadium rather than in a traditional campus setting.

Queensland Rugby Union State Development Manager, Grant Dwyer, said the partnership aimed to provide students with opportunities to experience working in a professional Rugby environment.

“With the Brisbane Olympics kicking off in 2032, Rugby 7s is a viable sporting career option here in Australia, with both the women’s and men’s teams poised to compete on the global stage,” Mr Dwyer said.

“This partnership will expose students to professional Rugby 7s realities from professional coaches while learning about sport development, events, media, marketing and operations.”

Mr Kinnane said getting to kick-start a career with a qualification in Rugby 7s in the lead up to the Olympics in 2032 will be a dream come true for many.

“Through this partnership, TAFE Queensland and Queensland Rugby Union are creating a pipeline of talent to help grow and develop the sport of Rugby 7s at this important time in the history of our region,” Mr Kinnane said.

“We’re proud to welcome Queensland Rugby Union into our Academy of Sport Program to develop our students’ professional sporting skills through a holistic, performance-based program developed specifically for student-athletes,” concluded Mr Kinnane.