Rugby Academy
In This Section
'To identify and develop outstanding talent'
Our aim is to identify the rugby players from the region possessing the greatest potential to become a full time professional rugby player and beyond.
Objectives
- Ellesmere College Rugby Academy provides an environment where young rugby players can grow, develop and express themselves through their sport and academic studies.
- The Academy offers young rugby players the opportunity to progress to elite level sport by providing them with the necessary tools such as skill development and peak physical conditioning that allows them to achieve excellence.
Development
- Ellesmere has the key ingredients for creating rugby excellence
- An experienced and well structured coaching team
- Level 3 qualified Academy Coach- rugby development & conditioning
- Several out door pitches
- Indoor sports hall training facility
- State of the art fitness suite
- A dedicated free weights gym
Rugby Safe
Ellesmere College is committed to ensuring that player safety is the main priority. The school is an "RFU Affiliated" school and has been certified as 'rugby safe' as it meets their - and our - strict criteria. For more information please see our 'Rugby Safe' presentation below.
Find Out More
Year Round Rugby
The Ellesmere Rugby season is structured as follows:
- September - December: 15 man rugby
- January - April: Sevens Rugby
- April - July: Individual development
Each term of rugby is focused on developing both team and individual goals. Academy training continues to run alongside each rugby term to ensure that maximum development takes place.
Rugby does not stop in the Summer term. This time is recognised as an ideal opportunity to develop core skill and physical areas of each player's game.
Those that attend the Rugby Academy are able to benefit from:
- First class facilities
- High level coaching
- Regular competitive rugby
- Academic support
- Regular structured training
- Pathways to representative rugby
Rugby scholars can expect:
- Year round rugby development
- Regular fitness testing
- Structured conditioning programmes
- One to one reviews
- Generic skill development
- Positional skill development
- Access to nutritional advice
- Access to cross training sessions
- Game Analysis work
A Professional Environment
The Ellesmere College Rugby Academy is proud of its modern approach and professional rugby environment. The facilities, coaches, training programmes and academic support provide pupils with a fantastic opportunity to reach their full potential.
Facilities
Members of the Ellesmere Rugby Academy are able to make full use of the College's outstanding facilities which include:
- 7 Rugby pitches
- A brand new all weather pitch
- Indoor swimming pool
- State of the art Cardio Gym
- Free weight performance Gym
- Indoor sports hall
- Squash and Tennis courts
Representative Honours
Morgan joined Ellesmere in Sept 2012 and quickly established himself as a player with enormous potential and a desire and commitment to match. Morgan became a key part of the Rugby Academy and his talents were quickly recognised whilst playing for the College and also the North Wales Crusaders; his focus and dedication, coupled with a natural ability saw him selected for International representation for Wales Rugby League (WRL). Morgan received two Welsh International caps at U16 for the Wales Rugby League team. He had also been selected as a reserve for the Wales Commonwealth Games U23's 9-aside team and he has now just been selected to represent Wales in the Wales Students team playing in the 4-Nations in Pontypridd in July. We wish Morgan the best of luck in his future Rugby career.
Morgan Johnson
Tom joined Ellesmere in Year 8. He proved to be a very talented all round sportsman being able to turn his hand to rugby cricket and football. However, his passion was without doubt, rugby. He represented every school team from Under 13's to the 1st XV. His rise through the academy programme was evident of its continued success. Tom played for Shropshire and was also part of the Worcester Warriors Academy. At under 16 level, he changed position from back row to front row where he was selected and gained his first England cap. Tom has since represented England Under 18's and Worcester Warriors Under 18's.
Tom Furnival - England Under 16's & Under 18's
Gus joined Ellesmere in Year 10. From the start it was clear that Gus had his sights on rugby at the highest level. A committed trainer, he worked tirelessly within the rugby academy at Ellesmere and took full advantage of the opportunities and the pathways that the academy programme provided. In 2017 Gus got his just rewards by getting capped a year early for Scotland Under 18's when he played against Wales.
Gus War - Scotland Under 18's
Efan joined us in Year 10 after being identified at Wrexham Rugby Club. Efan played at scrum half and quickly progressed through the Ellesmere Rugby Academy programme. Efan went on to get capped at Wales U16s at the Wellington tournament where he played against England, a side featuring school mate Zac Xiourouppa. He has also been capped at Wales Under 18 level this season out in South Africa.
Efan Jones U16 & U18 Wales
Zac has been a prominent player at the school since joining at the age of 13, where he has represented County, Midlands and Worcester Warriors squads. His latest call-up to the England Under-16 rugby union side continues the school's tradition for producing international youth players.
Zac Xiourouppa - England Under-16
Badri joined Ellesmere in the Sixth Form where he studied Mathematics, Physical Education and Russian at A-Level. His intention was always to study for a degree at University and progress his career as a professional rugby player.
Badri Alkhazashvili – Georgia U18
Lukas joined Ellesmere in the Sixth Form and is currently studying the International Baccalaureate course. Lukas plays Rugby for Germany's U18 team and chose to study at Ellesmere as the balance of academic lessons and rugby training allows him to fulfil his potential in both areas.
Lukas Humpe – Germany U18
Colin and Louis both joined Ellesmere College at the start of Year 10. Colin played his rugby in Shrewsbury RFC while Louis was a product of Bridgenorth RFC. Louis Chaudron achieved England A U16 honours while Colin Dickson went on to be capped against Wales and Italy for England U16 and was called up into the England U18 side.
They are part of the Worcester Warriors Academy. Both players stayed on at Sixth Form to study for their A-levels. Colin Dickson was a College Prefect while Louis was Head Boy. Their academic guidance has worked in tandem with their sporting aspirations.
Colin Dickson – England U16/U18 & Louis Chaudron – England A U16
James signed his first professional contract in 2008 with the Ospreys, where he has become a key member of the squad. His talents have also been recognised by Wales and following his call up to the recent Six Nations Championship, James has achieved full Welsh honours. A great achievement for a young man of 22.
Joel also represented Wales at U18s and U20s and signed a contract with Llanelli Scarlet's.
James King – Wales U18, U20, Full International & Joel Galley – Wales U18 & U20
Academy Coaches
There are a number of coaches attached to the Ellesmere Rugby Academy. All of the coaches at Ellesmere recognise the importance of the Individual Development philosophy and are passionate about each player reaching their potential, whatever level that may be.
Alex Murphy
Director of Rugby at Ellesmere College and is responsible for the running of the Academy. Alex joined in 2010 and comes from a professional rugby background with Cardiff Blues Academy and the Newport Gwent Dragons at senior level. Alex achieved International Age Grade caps for Wales. He has a degree in Sports Coaching and is a Level 3 Coach.
Jon Morgan
Jon Morgan is a qualified level 2 coach and supports the Ellesmere Academy. Jon also coaches the 2XV team.
Ellesmere College is frequently visited by a number of successful professional players and coaches including Dwayne Peel and Diego Dominguez.