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THE TROPICAL RUGBY ACADEMY

NEW RUGBY TOUR OPPORTUNITY FOR INDIVIDUAL PLAYERS

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WHAT IS THE TROPICAL RUGBY ACADEMY

The Tropical Rugby Academy is committed to providing unique and exceptional rugby experiences that blend elite-level training with opportunities to compete in international rugby tournaments.The Academy’s mission is to develop the players of tomorrow by developing their rugby skills, nurturing teamwork, and instilling the core values of rugby while empowering athletes to compete on an international stage.

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Launching in 2024, The Tropical Rugby Academy offers a unique opportunity for individual players to train, develop, and compete at the 2025 Tropical 7s tournament in Tampa, Florida, USA over Easter week/weekend in April 2025.  The Tropical Rugby Academy has ambitions to develop and grow into an international touring academy consisting of players from different countries and participate in other rugby tournaments around the world.

 

For the 2025 Tropical 7s, the Academy is offering individual playing opportunities at U18 Boys (Open) and U18 Girls (Open) divisions and is available to players from ALL nationalities. â€‹

WHY JOIN THE TROPICAL RUGBY ACADEMY

  • No team, no problem! Join the Tropical Rugby Academy as an individual player and guarantee your entry into the prestigious Tropical 7s tournament in Tampa, Florida over Easter 2025.

  • Compete against a diverse array of teams and challenge yourself against some of the finest players in North America and beyond.

  • A unique and immersive personal rugby experience, playing alongside teammates from diverse backgrounds and enhancing your understanding of the sport of rugby and the game’s global reach.

  • Benefit from the guidance of experienced coaches who are committed to refining your skills, strategies, and overall game performance - unlocking your potential on the pitch. 

  • While sharpening your rugby skills, enjoy the attractions and experiences Central Florida has to offer. Create lasting memories and bond with like-minded players both on and off the field under the Florida sunshine.

  • Our experienced managers and coaches are dedicated to providing a professional and highly organized tour experience.

  • Tours to other international rugby tournaments are in the pipeline - sign up for future updates below.

ELIGIBILITY & HOW TO APPLY

  • For the 2025 Tropical 7s, we are initially offering playing opportunities at U18 Boys and U18 Girls Open divisions. 

  • Age Cut-offs: Players must be born on or after 1st September 2006 per the tournament’s age policy. Note that the tournament allows for 2 overage player exemptions per team at this age grade if born within a 3-month window of the cut-off date (Jun-Jul-Aug). Therefore, players born on or after 1st of June 2006 will be considered for these exemption opportunities and are invited to apply.

  • Any player that is already registered to a team particitpating in the 2025 Tropical 7s will not be considered for the Tropical Rugby Academy.

  • All players must be registered and in good standing with their home rugby union and must provide proof of requires player clearances & insurances.

  • Players must first complete the application form HERE. Players will then be contacted by a member of the academy team who will request additional information to support your application.  Once an offer is made to join the academy, the player must pay  the academy registartion fee in full before their place can bebe confirmed.

  • The  2025 Tropical Rugby Academy is open to players from all countries.  The Academy's ultimate ambition is to create a mixed group of international players with different rugby backgrounds.    

  • All players are to stay at the Sheraton Brandon Hotel  (shared room included in package price).

  • Players will not be eligible to apply for the Tropical Rugby Academy if their team is already registered fir the 2025 Tropical 7s tournament. 

  • To apply for a place on the Tropical Rugby Academy at the 2025 Tropical 7s, please complete the application form by clicking the button at the top of this page.​

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • 5-night package including accommodation, all meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner), playing kit, rugby training & coaching sessions, and tournament competition:  Tuesday 15th - Sunday 20th April 2025.

  • Entry into the 2025 Tropical 7s tournament on  Friday 18th and Saturday 19th April 2025.

  • Pre-tournament training sessions and entry into the Tropical 7s Athlete Combine on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th April 2025.

  • Dedicated Head Coach (minimum of 1 coach to 12 players ratio) + Team Manager.

  • Accommodation at the Sheraton Brandon Hotel - located less than 10 mins drive from the tournament venue and 25 mins from Tampa International Airport.  Own room (i.e. if travelling with parents) on request and subject to availability.

  • Ground transport including airport pickups from Tampa International Airport  (on Tuesday 15th April), airport drop-offs (on Sunday 20th April), transport between the academy hotel and fields and transport for any other team building activities.

  • Unique Tropical Rugby Academy kit: jersey, shorts, socks, training T-shirt and 2025 official match ball 

  • Breakfasts, lunches and dinners provided from Wed morning through to Sunday morning.

  • Insurance for all rugby-related activities to be provided through USA Rugby. Additional personal travel/medical will need to be purchased independently.

  • Dedicated academy tent area at the fields for shade (training & competition days) 

  • Package Price: $1450 (based on a shared room). $2000 (own room - subject to availability)

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PROVISIONAL ITINERARY

Tuesday 15th April: 

  • Day: Arrivals

  • Evening: Meet & Greet/team building - attend NHL Ice Hockey Match (optional)

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Wednesday 16th April

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Morning: Training session #1

  • Lunch 

  • Afternoon: Beach Training session #2 and relaxation

  • Evening:  Team building exercise + Dinner

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Thursday 17th April

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Morning: Training session #3 

  • Lunch at the fields

  • Afternoon: Participate in the Tropical 7s Athlete Combine + Final Training Session

  • Evening: Tournament Preparation + Dinner

 

Friday 18th April

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Morning & Afternoon: The Tropical 7s Tournament - Day 1

  • Lunch at the fields

  • Evening: Tournament Preparation + Dinner

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Saturday 19th April

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Morning & Afternoon: The Tropical 7s Tournament - Day 2

  • Lunch at the fields

  • Evening: End of Tournament Dinner

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Sunday 20th April

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Morning: Wrap up, goodbyes, visit to local theme park, departures

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WHAT COSTS ARE NOT COVERED

  • Own flights 

  • Snacks and drinks.

  • Tickets to attractions e.g. theme parks, professional sports games etc.

  • Personal travel/medical insurance.

  • Temporary USA Rugby Membership (for non-US registered players)

 

 

CONTACT

For more information please contact at academy@tropicalrugby.com.

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