What is the Western Force Academy SA?

The Academy is a landmark partnership between Rugby Union South Australia and the Western Force with the purpose of developing youth rugby talent in South Australia.

The Academy is run and operated in South Australia under the guidance of the Western Force Academy Manager, Damian Steele. Managed by South Australia’s Director of Rugby, Troy Doughty, the Academy shall use the coaching philosophies, player development techniques and athletic performance measures as used the Western Force to provide age and stage appropriate coaching and guidance to ensure that South Australian athletes can enhance their performance.

Who is the Western Force?

The Western Force are a professional rugby operation based in Perth and representing the state of Western Australia. The partnership between Rugby Union SA and the Western Force seeks to expand the Force’s territory to not only represent Western Australians but also be the tribal home of South Australia’s rugby supporters and players.

In 2026, the Western Force will be participating in:

  • Super Rugby Pacific
  • Super Rugby Women
  • Super Rugby AUS

How will the Academy operate?

The vision for the Academy is to help identify rugby athletes and coaches who have the potential to take their game to the next level, and to align them with an internationally recognised pathway that grows a player on an individual basis both as a player of rugby, but also as a developing young athlete.

The academy will be run by Rugby Union SA with support from professional coaches and managers at the Western Force. The program will be divided into training blocks to take place over 2026 with weekly targets provided to players and coaches during these blocks. The blocks have been timed with the Rugby Union South Australia seasons and factor in representative windows and school holidays.

Who is the Academy for?

Players

In 2026 the Academy is intended for the following players:

  • Males born 2008 - 2011
  • Females born 2008 - 2011

In addition, the Academy seeks to identify and nurture South Australian based coaching talent. Male and female coaches who have proven advanced rugby coaching experience at club level or higher are sought to help develop our Academy athletes.

What are the selection criteria for the Academy?

Players

An overview of the criteria for players can be found at: https://sa.rugby/pathways/force-academy/players.

In the Academy, players can expect to be assessed on and coached in the following areas:

  • Core rugby skills
  • Position-specific skill sets (Tight 5, Back Row, Halves, Mid-field and Back 3)
  • Athletic measures, including general fitness, strength, and overall athletic potential
  • Life-skills, including punctuality, communication and teamwork

Please note - although outright rugby skill and overall athletic performance is an important part of any rugby athlete’s journey it is not as important as producing balanced, healthy, and happy rugby players - this will be the core objective of the Academy and will be central to a player’s ongoing participation.

Coaches

An overview of the selection criteria for coaches can be found at: https://sa.rugby/pathways/force-academy/coaches.

Note - shortlisted coaches will be asked to interview prior to inclusion in the Academy.

Is the Academy being used for Representative Selection?

No.

The Academy is being run separately from representative programs and will not be used to select players and coaches to represent South Australia. No player or coach who attends the Academy is guaranteed selection in the State program, nor will any player or coach who is not present at the Academy be excluded from future consideration for representative duties, or future Academy involvement.

What are the key dates for the Academy?

There are several key dates that those wanting to participate in the Academy must be aware of.

Pre-Academy

  • Wednesday 7th January 2026: Invitations to trial will be issued
  • Friday 16th January 2026: Coaching Evaluation Session
  • Saturday 17th January 2026: Western Force Academy SA Trial
  • Monday 2nd February: Successful players and coaches notified
  • Monday 9th February: Coach induction and planning

Academy

Sessions will be Monday nights 6pm to 8PM during the training blocks.

  • Block 1: 16th Feb – 23rd Mar (6 weeks) 2-hour sessions
  • Block 2: 27th Apr – 1st Jun (6 weeks) 2-hour sessions
  • Block 3: 20th Jul – 10th Aug (5 Weeks) 2-hour sessions

Note - Time and venue for all identified dates shall be notified to all selected participants in writing with their acceptance to trial. All information on sessions during the Academy blocks will be issued in the formal player onboarding kit.

What happens if I am unable to make a key date?

Trial

Due to high demand, there will be limited opportunity to assess players outside of the Academy Trial. However, some exceptional circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you believe exceptional circumstances apply, please contact troy.doughty@sa.rugby for further details on this process.

Academy

Players and coaches are expected to make as many sessions as possible to remain included in the Academy, however exceptional circumstances may be taken into account. Excessive absenteeism will see exclusion from the Academy. Please contact troy.doughty@sa.rugby for queries on this process.

What costs are there to participate in the Academy and what re the inclusions?

Trial

Players are required to register for a training-only registration for insurance purposes. This will be a $20 once off fee. Please note, this fee will be deducted from a player’s season registration or Academy registration fee should the player be successful, meaning that the insurance component will not be double charged.

Coaches will incur no cost, however must be registered to their preferred club to be accepted.

Academy

There is a cost of $200 per player to participate in the Academy if a player is selected. This includes:

  • New Balance Western Force Academy SA Kit (training shirt, playing shorts, crew socks, hoodie, backpack with player initials). All kit sized to player and is to keep.
  • Player Academy diary
  • Coaching, S&C and Nutritionist support
  • HUDL training and video editing support
  • Academy playing equipment