Rugby

We pride ourselves on offering rugby to all abilities including our Elite programme!

Our rugby academy allows us to offer rugby training to all abilities and commitment levels for both boys and girls. Our Seevic Campus boasts a Performance Programme whilst our Palmer's Campus focusses on a Development Programme.

Both programmes are designed to develop each of our player's skills, fitness and knowledge of the game to prepare them for progression into high-level sport. All students will have the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive training schedule designed to improve all attributes of your game.

We will work closely with both campuses including joint training sessions and in-house games.

Our Performance Programme - Seevic Campus

Over the years our Seevic Campus has built a strong reputation with our first team competing to the highest college standard including in the NatWest Cup, Essex Cup, AoC Premier League and a variety of 7s competitions and tournaments. Being on this programme gives all students a brilliant insight of what it is like to be a full-time professional rugby player whilst completing your studies.

Our Development Programme - Palmer's Campus

Broadening our offer from the Seevic Campus and bringing a high-level of coaching staff we want everyone to benefit from training. Even if you have never played Rugby before we focus on enjoyment and bringing new players to the game. You will follow a weekly schedule with 2 training sessions per week and will play matches on a Wednesday afternoon. This programme is designed for those who wish to play rugby in a fun and engaging way whilst completing your studies.

Hear the latest news from our sports teams, including upcoming trial dates.

Why join the Storm Rugby Academy?

Coaching

Specialist position-specific coaching

Great facilities

Access to top facilities and equipment

Training

Full week training programme to fit around your studies. We train during the pre-season too.

Weekly fixtures

The chance to play against the best schools and colleges in England

Physio

First-class physiotherapy support

Guest coaches

Guest coaches who have played to a high level

Get in the best shape

Specialist Strength & Conditioning sessions

Get qualified

All this and you can gain a qualification in your chosen area

Your weekly rugby training schedule

As well as a weekly training schedule you will also benefit from Strength & Condition (S&C) Sessions with Luke Brewster, our specialist Strength & Conditioning Coach. You will benefit from two gym-based sessions a week and an optional third training session.

Monday: Training - Focussing in the gym and on technical work such as catching, passing and decision making. Training will be followed by a team meeting.
Tuesday: Training - Team session focussing on attacking shape and defensive systems.
Wednesday: Game Day - Games may be home or away and in a vast variety of competitions.
Thursday: Active Recovery
Friday: Training - Game-based training, contact work ons, individual player reviews, goal setting, video analysis and gym.

Meet the coaching team

Danny Cleare

Head of Rugby

Danny has been at the College for 10 years. He brings a wealth of coaching experience having previously been head coach at Southend Saxons and currently a coach at Rochford RFC who have just been promoted to National League 2. Danny has also been on the pitch with over 10 years playing experience in nation

Jack Daly

Rugby Development

Jack works across both campuses in his rugby development role. Jack is a qualified coach and has many years of player experience including England Counties XV, England Counties 20s as well as Saracens and Wasps Academies. Currently, Jack plays at Blackheath who compete in National 1.

Jamie Douglas

Forwards Specialist

Jamie specialises in working with our forward players and has a strong background working in Strength & Conditioning. He has played at Southend Saxons and now plays at Rochford RFC.

Luke Brewster

Strength & Conditioning Coach

Luke works closely with all our sports students to make sure you progress physically in addition to supporting your understanding of nutrition and general health. He has been S&C Coach for GB Girls Basketball and is currently Head of S&C for Rochford in Nat 2 whilst studying a Masters Degree in Strength & Conditioning.

New Women's Programme launching

We are delighted to be launching a new and exciting Women's Rugby Programme across both campuses.

We will start by introducing players to a structured programme, consisting of both on-field and off-field training sessions and 1-1 meetings to short and long term goals. In recent years junior grassroots and elite pathways have grown massively in all women's sports including rugby and we are proud to offer a local programme for students leaving school to continue their player development.

Although we are just starting our women's programme we already have successful alumni who coach locally, including Emily Scott and India Harvey.

Emily Scott is currently the captain for Harlequins Women who compete in the RFU Elite Structure as well as being one of a select few female players with a full-time playing contract for England Rugby. In her limited spare time, Emily returns to local Championship club, Thurrock T-Birds.

India Harvey also had a successful early career for England's u20s and has captained Thurrock T-Birds and Essex County Ladies for a number of years.

We also benefit from being surrounded by clubs with strong Women's Rugby teams which means we are perfectly placed to help you get the most out of your rugby experience both at college and at club.

Video Analysis

We work with Veo, an online videoing platform that gives both our coaches and students access to video footage of each of their games. Our coaches are able to send you clips and feedback instantly, whilst as a player you can create your own highlights reel (which is great if you are looking for scholarships, semi-pro or professional contracts!).

Kit and Sponsors

Our official kit provider for 2021/22 is VX3 all students will be required to purchase a training kit but there are additional optional extras should you wish to purchase more. Links to the online website where you can purchase the kit will be provided once you have enrolled.

We also work with a number of sponsors, as if you were at a professional club, including JHM Recruitment, MEATBOX, PWR GYM and Fight Fuel UK. These sponsors can support with nutritional information, supplement giveaways and discounted gym subscriptions.

I studied and played at USP College for three years, during my time I reached two 15s finals and won the AoC 7's twice. The rugby programme developed my game hugely and gave me the skills needed to push on and achieve more. Since leaving I went to South Africa to play rugby over the summer before attending university in the September. I have now been playing with Henley Hawks a National 2 team for the past two years.

The College introduced me to my friends for life and it was a pleasure to be part of one of the best coaching setups I've been involved with. I would highly recommend USP College to anyone!
George Griffiths, former student. George combined the Rugby programme alongside his qualification and since leaving is a semi-professional rugby player, played abroad and even secured a place at a top university.

Our Courses

To be part of our Storm Rugby Academy you must be studying a course at the College. We offer a variety of A-Levels and Vocational Courses which allow you to study and train.