Inside high performance: students learn elite rugby preparation at Ballymore

The visit also provided rare access to the inner workings and high-performance facilities of one of Australia’s most iconic sporting environments.

The experience forms part of the broader Sports Diploma Hub program, delivered in partnership with Queensland Rugby Union alongside Football Queensland, Tennis Queensland, Hockey Queensland and Gymnastics Queensland.

Together, these partnerships provide students with practical, real-world exposure to the standards, environments and expectations of high-performance sport.

Throughout the session, students gained a practical understanding of how elite teams adjust their training in the lead-up to competition.

Rather than high-intensity workloads, the focus shifted to clarity, connection and confidence, with drills designed to fine-tune execution, reinforce structures and maintain team morale.

Academy of Sport Partnerships Manager Don Harley said the opportunity reinforced the value of industry-aligned education.

“This is exactly what the Academy of Sport is about – giving students genuine access to environments they wouldn’t otherwise see.”

It’s one thing to learn about high-performance sport in the classroom, but to stand on the sidelines at Ballymore and see how a professional team prepares the day before a game is a completely different level of learning.”

Students also explored the critical role of recovery in elite sport, focusing on post-training protocols, including ice baths. In a moment that tested both bravery and curiosity, students were invited to step inside the Reds’ infamous “igloo,” an ice room where athletes train to accelerate recovery.

Academy of Sport Education Manager Nathan Gill said the visit brought classroom concepts to life.

“We talk to students about preparation, performance and recovery, but experiences like this make it tangible.

Seeing how a professional program balances physical readiness with mental sharpness gives our students a much deeper understanding of what it takes to perform at that level.”

The visit was made possible through the ongoing support of Queensland Rugby Union staff, with Reds’ Rugby Manager James Prichard and Reds’ Academy Coordinator Callum Robertson recognised for their commitment to providing meaningful access and insight for students.

The day also featured QRU Volunteer of the Year Jo Staples, alongside former All Black Alby Mathewson, who brought the current cohort of TAFE at School students along, adding further depth to the experience.

For students, the session was more than just observation – it was immersion in the standards, expectations and culture of elite sport.

The visit to Ballymore Stadium formed part of the Sports Diploma Hub’s industry field trip program, an Australian-first model that brings together students from a range of sporting backgrounds to experience high-performance environments across multiple codes.

Through these field trips, students gain access to leading facilities within each partner association, including guided tours, the opportunity to observe elite players and coaches in action, and insights from industry professionals through guest speaker sessions.

This cross-sport exposure is a key strength of the model.

For example, students aligned to Tennis Queensland can see how high-performance principles are applied in rugby union or football, broadening their understanding and helping them develop more well-rounded sport industry professionals upon graduation.

Alongside their studies, students can complete up to 70 hours of work experience with their aligned sporting association, equipping them with the experience and exposure needed to transition into employment within the industry.

As the Academy of Sport continues to build towards Brisbane 2032, experiences like this are central to developing the next generation of sport industry professionals.

With the upcoming July intakes approaching, prospective students are encouraged to consider their pathway into sport through TAFE Queensland.

The Sports Diploma Hub will commence its next intake in July, while TAFE at School programs aligned with Queensland Rugby Union will commence enrolments in Term 3.

Harley said the message to future students is simple.

“If you want to work in sport, this is where it starts. These aren’t simulated experiences – they’re real, and they’re happening now. The opportunity to learn inside environments like Ballymore is something that sets our programs apart.”