Overview

The Fountain Gate Secondary College Rugby Academy is lucky to be affiliated with the Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby team. The Academy is used as a platform to develop both male and female rugby players and introduce the students to all forms of Rugby Union as well as giving students the opportunity to gain qualifications in, First Aid, Sport and Recreation and Coaching. Students are able to see behind the scenes of a professional sports team as well as compete in multiple tournaments. Many of our students have gone on to represent Victoria and Australia. 
 

Please contact Mr Ritani for any further information. Matthew.Ritani@education.vic.gov.au

Aims: 

  • Develop aspiring rugby players and athletes through rugby specific conditioning, training and education
  • Allow students to gain practical qualifications in the sport and recreation industry that also contributes to their ATAR
  • Grow and develop tactical knowledge and awareness of the game
  • Promote the values of rugby to enhance discipline, respect, teamwork, integrity and passion, through team building and participation

High Level Coaching and Mentoring:

Fountain Gate Secondary College has an official partnership with the Melbourne Rebels Rugby Club and Rugby Victoria. As part of this partnership, Fountain Gate Rugby students have access to high level training from the elite rugby development coaches supplied by Rugby Vic. Students will be supported during trainings to develop their individual skills, knowledge and tactical awareness of Rugby. 

Structure

The Academy is select entry upon application and interview for year 9, 10 and 11 students. Students improve overall fitness, strength and rugby skills. The program is run closely with the Melbourne Rebels and Rugby Victoria. Students are provided with every opportunity to represent the state or gain entry to the Emerging Players Program run by the Melbourne Rebels (both males and females). Members of the Academy compete in multiple competitions throughout the year representing Fountain Gate Secondary College. Academy students have Rugby scheduled into their weekly timetables where they spend quality class time developing as rugby players and athletes. 

Playing Opportunities:

  • Rugby Vic – Rebel Shield: Under 16 mid-week competition playing 15 a-side for males, and 10 a-side for females (Term 3)
  • Rugby Vic – Academy Cup: Under 18 fixtures against Rugby Vic affiliated schools. Male 15 a-side and female 7’s. 
  • Rugby Vic – Rugby 7’s Competitions – Under 14, 16 and 18
  • Touch Rugby Victoria – State Competitions – Under 16 and 18 (Term 1)
  • Exhibition fixtures throughout the year

Year 9:

Focus on improving all round rugby skills as well as fitness and nutrition. A typical week will consist of four periods, a double period for developing rugby skills and fitness, including team preparation for upcoming tournaments. A single period focused on athletic development following rugby specific strength and conditioning programs, and one classroom-based session focussing on nutrition, tactical strategies, and game analysis. 

Year 10:

A typical week consists of a double period practical focused on developing rugby skills, fitness and team preparation for upcoming tournaments. A single period of strength and conditioning work following a rugby specific training program, and a single period focused on completing the Certificate II in Sports and Recreation with a rugby focus. 

Year 11 and Year 12:

The first year of the two year course in Certificate III Sports and Recreation. Eight periods per fortnight, focused on completing Unit 1 and 2 of the Cert III as well as improving rugby skills, strength and gym training.

Unit 3 and 4 and final (scored) year of Certificate III Sports and Recreation with a Rugby Union focus. Elite final level of the academy where pathways for the future are investigated. Practical application of coaching younger students is also a major focus this year.

Pre- Academy and Year 8 Rugby Development

Our Year 7 and 8 students have access to pre-academy trainings with the opportunity to play rugby for the school while improving their skills and fitness levels for their future Rugby endeavours. No experience necessary, these sessions are run weekly after school and are open to boys and girls. 
Year 8 Rugby Development is a single semester subject open to all year 8 students of all rugby levels. This subject focuses on the foundation skills of rugby and looks at developing and encouraging rugby participation and learning about the laws, history and fundamentals of the game. Students who take part in these programs are looked at favourably when applying for a position in the Fountain Gate Secondary College Rugby Academy in Year 9.

Qualifications

In Year 9, students gain the ARU Smart Rugby Coaching Qualification. The Academy offers a Certificate II and III in Sports and Recreation in Year 10 which includes a valid 3 year First Aid Qualification. In Year 11
and 12, students complete the Certificate III in Sports and Recreation.

Structure and Outcomes

Students improve overall fitness, strength and rugby skills. The program is run closely with the Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby Team and students are provided with every opportunity to represent the state
or gain entry to the Emerging Players Program run by the Melbourne Rebels (both males and females). Members of the Academy compete in multiple competitions throughout the year representing Fountain
Gate Secondary College.

The Academy is overseen by the Director of Rugby Matt Ritani. All questions and application enquiries can be directed to matthew.ritani@education.vic.gov.au