Narre Warren South Secondary School will usher in a new generation of rugby talent after launching its senior rugby academy today.
The Rugby Academy program is now Rugby Victoria's fifth government school academy, joining the likes of Melton Secondary College, Fountain Gate, The Grange and Hampton Park Secondary College.
Assistant Principal Tori Mulligan revealed the program will offer students more than just a rugby education.
"The Narre Warren P-12 Rugby Academy aims to provide our students with a positive pathway program that combines both academic and sporting effort and success," said Mulligan.
"The program is not only a pathway to a potential rugby career, as the curriculum that underpins the program provides clear pathways to tertiary studies and future employment opportunities.
"The motivation is to provide students with real opportunities to engage in both their sporting and academic talents.
"The Academy will provide students with positive engagement opportunities and a pathway to further studies beyond schooling."
Central to the Academy's launch at Narre Warren South was the involvement of Academy Movement Inc and it's founder Jimmy Orange.
"Academy Movement Inc started working with Narre Warren South P-12 College to help them plan for a 2023 launch with rugby classes at Year, 7, 8, 9 and 10 which will expand to Year 11 and 12 in 2024 and 2025," stated Orange.
"Classes are open to all male and females who go through the application process.
"The focus is on student outcomes and engagement through the Academy Movement curriculum and high standards set by the school. Students will also gain a Certificate III in Sport and Recreation, First Aid, Level 1 World Rugby Officiating and Smart Rugby Coaching accreditations.
"We've had great support from local MP Gary Maas and Endeavour Hills and Casey Crusaders local rugby clubs which many of the students will feed into.
"We're excited to build one of the biggest rugby academies in Victoria with a positive rugby culture flowing all the way down to Prep.
Rugby Victoria CEO Chris Evans was excited to see rugby's growing footprint within government schools.
"The partnership aligns with Rugby Victoria's strategic approach to grow the game within the Government school sector," explained Evans.
"Narre Warren South is strategically located in one of the Melbourne’s fastest growing population corridors and is located near Endeavour Hills Rugby Club and Casey Rugby Club.
"In 2022, Rugby Victoria launched the Rebels Shield competition, a mid-week XV-a-side competition for Government Schools and we look forward to growing this competition and welcoming Narre Warren South SC into the competition over the coming years."
Rugby Victoria Game Development manager Samantha Monaghan was quick to acknowledge the benefits beyond rugby that the academy will have for the program inductees.
"It's fantastic that we can provide a pathway for young people in our community to have their education aligned with not only rugby, but also leadership, physical activity and team building opportunities," said Monaghan.
