Course description
Please register for an Open Event before applying for this course.
Whether your goal is to become a professional rugby player, move into a coaching or backroom role, or if you believe playing and learning the game in a professional environment can benefit your studies or career in other ways, a place on the Activate Rugby Academy is for you.
We provide talented young rugby players (aged 16–18) with the opportunity to pursue their chosen academic pathway alongside your rugby ambitions.
You will have the closest experience to professional rugby that any U18 level will receive, competing in the RFU ACE League. You will benefit from specialised coaching with a training base at Harcourt Hill and games to be played at Oxford Harlequins. You will also have access to the outstanding new gym, strength and conditioning and sports therapy facility at the City of Oxford College city-centre campus.
Maximise your potential and your chance to pursue a rugby career in a Rugby Senior Academy, BUCS Super Rugby, or National Rugby Leagues!
Please use the Apply Now function to register your interest. This programme is highly competitive, and you must attend an assessment day as part of the application process. Once you have applied for the course, we will be in touch with further information regarding the assessment days.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
This programme is for students aged 16–18 only.
Your application will be judged on your abilities as a rugby player, as well as your academic merits.
As a rugby player, we will be assessing your experience, your rugby CV and performances in trials. Academically, you should expect to need good grades overall, with specific requirements dependent on the subject you wish to study.
Training Course Content
With this programme ACE players can choose to study a BTEC National Diploma in Business at City of Oxford College.
Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE)
Alongside your chosen academic path, a selected number of student athletes will study towards a Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE). This is an RFU endorsed rugby programme for 16–18-year-olds based at the England Regional Academies. The aim is to produce players who:
- have developed the skills and abilities to gain a professional contract at 18
- are aware of their rights and responsibilities as professional players (lifestyle, image, behaviour etc.)
- know how to manage their finances
- have a contingency plan for an alternative career in the event of injury or failure to achieve a playing contract
Your rugby and academic schedule
You will have a practical rugby schedule in addition to your academic lessons, and will be supported on modules designed by sports professionals. Each module will develop a specific facet of your game, including your ability to read and interpret the game around you, as well as the correct mental and physical preparation and recovery.
As part of the ACE squad, your typical week will include:
- Timetabled academic lessons
- Seven hours of contact time plus one ACE matchday
- Strength and conditioning and prehab sessions
- Units/Team Rugby and analysis sessions
- Additional (optional) sessions over the weekend
You will get the opportunity to compete in the highly competitive RFU ACE League, a widely-renowned competition at the highest level of college sport. Although we understand your passion and focus may be on the player development programme, you will are expected to place your academic studies as your first priority.
Course delivery details
The environment on this course is designed to mirror a professional environment, and you should expect to treat it as such. You will have regular access to professional services to help improve your abilities as a player, as well as group and one-to-one coaching support.
Our AASE Group is comprised of the top 30 players within the college's Elite Sports sector, while the next best 30 players form the AASE Development Group. Our AASE squad competes at a very high level and applicants are expected to be capable of playing to at least county standard.
You will learn alongside our experienced staffing team, including:
• Head Coach and Manager
• Elite Rugby Coordinator and Pastoral Lead
• Full-time Assistant Coach
• Academy Strength and Conditioning Lead and Assistant Coach
• Academy Physiotherapist and Assistant Physio
• Academy Analysis Support
You will also be able to access support services throughout your studies, including an analysis platform, access to medical staff on training days, meetings with coaching staff, and a Pastoral Lead to review academic progress.
Accommodation in Oxford can be organised for programme students.
Activate Learning
Activate Learning is a forward-thinking education group that aims for far-reaching, progressive change and impact through learning. We work with learners as individuals, helping them make the choice of course and career pathway that’s right for them. Our mission is to provide work-ready talent for business, and...