The Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) annual Induction Camp will take place next week in Coogee, with 31 players from across the country to spend three days together in a series of workshops, presentations and activities designed to best prepare them for their first year of professional Rugby in Australia.
From eighteen year old Women’s Rugby Sevens rookie Laurie Waldie to 2011 Rugby World Cup winner Zac Guildford, all of the players present will have the opportunity to speak with RUPA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ross Xenos and Australian Rugby Union (ARU) CEO Bill Pulver. They will also learn more about Australian Rugby policies including the code of conduct, and topics such as cultural diversity, cyber security, domestic violence, road safety, overcoming adversity and more.
Last year, the Camp included the likes of Rory Arnold, Campbell Magnay, Sefanaia Naivalu and Hugh Roach, who have all been nominated for the 2015 RUPA Newcomer of the Year award.
The Camp is a core component of RUPA’s Player Development Program (PDP), which employs five Player Development Managers who each work within the Australian Super Rugby teams.
RUPA’s PDP is a proactive, player-focused initiative that assists professionally contracted Rugby players from the rookie level through to transition and beyond post retirement. The Program offers support in all areas off the field, including education, professional training, mental health, career and financial matters.
As soon as a player signs a Rugby contract in Australia they are offered the chance to become a RUPA member. Currently 100% of Australia’s professional Rugby players are RUPA members.
RUPA CEO Ross Xenos said he was looking forward to welcoming the players to the Camp.
“Each of these players’ acceptance of a professional contract within Australian Rugby is a reflection of their Rugby abilities,” Xenos said. “We hope the Induction Camp will provide them with substantial professional advice which will assist them in managing the challenges, and capitalising on the opportunities, of a professional Rugby career.
“RUPA, via our staff, our services and the PDP, are here to support them on their journey. The Induction Camp agenda has been designed to provide them with insight into the skills, discipline and judgment required to be a professional Rugby player.
“Importantly, it is also a relaxed environment which allows the players to realise the opportunities which will be presented to them in 2016 and beyond. We are fully aware that the off-field environment impacts how a player performs on the field, so we are trying to foster an environment which promotes excellence in all facets of the game.”
The Camp concludes with all players’ attendance at the Volvo RUPA Awards 20th Anniversary Lunch on Wednesday, December 9th.
Full list of players attending the Camp
Shenae Ciesolka, Australian Women’s Sevens
Jack Dempsey, Waratahs
Dominique Du Toit, Australian Women’s Sevens
Harley Fox, Rebels
Scott Gale, Reds
Jake Gordon, Waratahs
Zac Guildford, Waratahs
Michael Gunn, Reds
Dan Hawkins, Rebels
Reece Hodge, Rebels
Nick Jooste, Brumbies
Simon Kennewell, Australian Men’s Sevens
Adam Korczyk, Reds
Kane Koteka, Force
Robert Leota, Rebels
Ammon Matuatuto, Force
Jake McIntyre, Reds
Guy Millar, Force
Mahalia Murphy, Australian Women’s Sevens
Joe Powell, Brumbies
Andrew Ready, Reds
Tom Robertson, Waratahs
Matt Sandell, Waratahs
Jim Stewart, Waratahs
Angus Ta'Avao, Waratahs
Lukhan Tui, Reds
Sione Tuipulotu, Rebels
James Tuttle, Reds
Laura Waldie, Australian Women’s Sevens
Michael Wells, Brumbies
Brad Wilkin, Waratahs
