Academy
The Academy rugby team represents the final stage of the youth rugby journey, where players prepare to make the transition into the senior game. At this level, training and competition closely mirror adult rugby, with a strong emphasis on performance, tactical intelligence, leadership, and physical resilience.
Training sessions are designed to simulate high-level match conditions, focusing on advanced techniques in contact, breakdown efficiency, kicking strategy, defensive systems, and multi-phase attack. Players are expected to demonstrate consistency and control under pressure, with a clear understanding of both individual roles and broader team structures.
Tactical development is a key focus, with players learning how to manage games, exploit weaknesses, and make smart, in-game decisions. Position-specific coaching becomes highly refined, helping players specialise in their roles while building the adaptability needed to perform in various match scenarios.
Leadership, communication, and professionalism are essential traits at this level. Players are encouraged to take full responsibility for their preparation, performance, and conduct, both on and off the field. Coaches support the development of confident, self-motivated leaders who can guide the team in training, matches, and high-pressure situations.
Player welfare remains paramount. With the demands of the game now approaching adult standards, careful attention is given to injury prevention, recovery routines, strength and conditioning, and mental wellbeing. A player-centred environment ensures that every individual is supported to perform at their best while maintaining a healthy balance.
The Under 18s season is highly competitive, featuring league fixtures, cup competitions, and potential representation at county, academy, or national levels. It’s a year of ambition, accountability, and achievement—designed to prepare players for the next chapter of their rugby careers, whether in senior club rugby, university squads, or beyond. Most importantly, it’s a chance to finish their youth rugby experience with pride, passion, and lasting memories.
When and were do we train?
Sunday’s
10:00 - 11:30
On pitch one at the far end away from the clubhouse
MATCHES
Sunday Mornings
Kick-Off Times vary week to week and are advised to parents each week in advance of games.
Meet The Coaching Team
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Owen Gemmell
Head Coach
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Alex Sylvester
Team Manager & Coach
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George Griffiths
Coach
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John Adams
Coach
Sponsors
The Academy kit and upkeep of equipment is all thanks to our wonderful sponsors:
Expert scaffold contractors
We’re delighted to partner with a local business that shares our belief in the importance of community, teamwork and giving young people the opportunity to thrive. We’re incredibly proud to have SeaBro as our main sponsor.
A trusted name in scaffolding, SeaBro brings more than just a business connection to the club — they bring a genuine passion for rugby. Their Director has been a long-standing player and supporter of the game, with years spent involved across different clubs and leagues.
That connection to rugby runs deep. It’s a love for the sport, the people, the camaraderie and the sense of community that makes grassroots rugby so special.
Their support of our club is a reflection of that commitment — helping us continue to grow, develop our players and create a club that people are proud to be part of.
We’re delighted to partner with a business that understands that rugby is about far more than what happens on the pitch. It’s about teamwork, loyalty, resilience and community — values that SeaBro shares both on and off the field.
A huge thank you to SeaBro for standing behind our club and supporting the future of rugby.
Mortgage Advisors & Specialist Lending
Based in Leigh-on-Sea, Rate Financial is a mortgage brokerage with a genuine passion for supporting the local community. Their commitment extends beyond mortgages, with a particular focus on investing in local youth, grassroots sport and the communities they’re proud to be part of.
For Rate Financial, sponsoring a team is about more than simply putting their name on a shirt. It’s about helping create opportunities, building confidence and supporting the next generation — both on and off the pitch.
Contact us.
We are always on the lookout for new players to join us, if you have played for another club before or never picked up a ball, we are always keen to get you involved and help you love and enjoy Rugby as much as we do.