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Pumas Power: PRI Goes for Gold

…and the winner is…the UXi Pumas Rugby Institute!

On the 25th of March, the UXi Pumas Rugby Institute took part in the inaugural Jimmy Stonehouse 10s Tournament, hosted at Mbombela Stadium. After six tough games, the Pumas Rugby Institute team was officially crowned the CHAMPIONS of the Jimmy Stonehouse 10s Tournament Shield Division, after their convincing finals match.

We would like to make special mention of two of our first-years: Stephen Taylor, who won the “Player of the Shield Tournament” award, and Ricardo Correia who won the “Player for the Future” award for the Tournament. Well done gentlemen!

Congratulations to all student-athletes, coaches and management for this eXtraordinary achievement. Wow, what a way to wrap up the first term!


A recap of the Pumas Rugby Institute’s road to victory:

Game 1:

PRI 7 – 17 Whiteriver 1

Game 2:

PRI 67 – 0 Ratels

Game 3:

PRI 55 – 0 Bethal Buffels

Game 4:

PRI 19 – 12 Sasol 2

Semi-Finals:

PRI 52 – 7 Krielsaders

Finals:

PRI 45 – 0 Matsulu

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When times are dark, it’s time to SHINE

“Loadshedding will start in 5 minutes” – we all know this infamous notification far too well (some apps have now even added in an inspirational quote with the reminder to soften the blow). This is the notification that makes each one of us jump off our seats to frantically run and put the kettle on, turn our laptops to “power saving mode”, and quickly try to get an extra few minutes of charge on our phones. Then, as the clock hits the hour, darkness hits. Then we sit, turn on our emergency lights, and wonder what to do for the next two and half hours of darkness.

As the world rang in 2023 two months ago, no one can deny that their hopes for “the best year ever” were high. Whilst the hopes for the “best” year may still be on the cards, it will most certainly not be the “brightest” – well at least not in South Africa for a long time. Nevertheless, in a country plunged into darkness, the UXi Rugby Institutes welcomed 240 aspirant young men to their 5 Institutes nation-wide. Thankfully the “light” in their eyes hadn’t been taken away from them; rather their eyes shone with the hope and excitement to be able to pursue a rugby opportunity, and this lit up every Orientation Ceremony!

The UXi Sport Rugby Institutes have been described as a “beacon of light and hope” for young sporting enthusiasts, who dream of pursuing a semi-professional or professional career, while also securing an academic qualification for a life after competing. What once started as a small Rugby Academy in the Western Cape has now expanded into a large-scale national sporting development platform!

Based on national research and sports science, this one-of-a-kind development programme offers young aspirant athletes a professional and sustainable pathway into semi-professional and professional rugby. This three-year structured programme incorporates key components, which ensures development in every area of high-performance sport. Our on-field rugby skills training and strength and conditioning programme provides every athlete with an individualized and position-specific rugby development plan, tailored to their athlete needs and goals. Combined with our rugby education class, each athlete is equipped with the knowledge to be a tactically informed rugby player, and a STUDENT OF THE GAME. Through the use of data science, analysis and technical assistance, we are able to monitor and evaluate every aspect of the athlete’s daily activities in the programme, to ensure that the athlete’s development plan is on-track! The programme is further combined with mental and life skills coaching and academic studies of an educational programme, which provides our athletes with peak mental and emotional development, as well as ensures them with employability during and after rugby. It really is a programme that DOES IT ALL!

Over the past two weeks, we have witnessed a number of our past UXi Rugby Institutes alumni SHINING on a national-level stage: the renowned Varsity Shield Competition! Xola Skhathele (WPRA 2021), James Coetzee (WPRA 2021), Kieran Naidoo (WPRA 2021/22) and Wiehan Kruger (WPRA 2021/22) all made their Varsity Shield debuts this past week as the 2023 Varsity Rugby season kicked off, donning the colours of Wits, UWC and CPUT. These past students are proving to be SHINING LIGHTS in the competition and have already contributed to their teams. Wiehan Kruger was named as the “FNB Player That Rocks” for his CPUT debut match against the University of KwaZulu-Natal; James Coetzee, who represented the Pumas Senior B Team last year, is now part of the infamous UWC “bomb squad”.

Our international Dutch shining star, David Weersma (WPRA 2015/16), who has been playing internationally for the past seven years, was recently nominated as “Player of the Pool stages” for the Rugby Europe Men’s XV Championship for his contribution to the Dutch National team. He is nominated alongside big names such Chris Raymond and Piotr Zeszutek. Hanru Smith (WPRA 20/21/22) and Dylan van der Merwe (WPRA 2021) have both gone on to secure international jobs, as rugby coaches, in Germany (this means they’ve also luckily escaped loadshedding). Both Hanru and Dylan have benefitted from our international cooperation and partnership with a rugby club in Bonn, in which we provide opportunities for our students that fully embody the pillars and values of UXi Sport! Delarey Swart (PRI 2022) is also another UXi Rugby Institute alumni that has found light in an international opportunity; Delarey is also heading off to pursue a European rugby career, where he will be playing for TSV Victoria Linden e.V. Rugby Club in Hanover, Germany.

Loadshedding has once again reminded us of the importance of ADAPTATION, and that sometimes you need to adjust your plans based on the darkness that life can throw at you. Life can get dark sometimes; it is your choice whether you will sit in the darkness or find a way to SHINE through it. It is important to remember that these players did not get their great moments from schoolboy rugby, when so many other players got awarded bursaries and contracts. These young men never lost their spark or gave up on their dreams; they simply had to ADAPT their pathway and SHINE through the dark times in order to achieve their dreams. Remember, that sometimes the brightest ideas are born from darkness.

What do these young men, and so many more in our system, have in common? They all sat in a time of darkness at some point in their rugby careers; yet they still had that spark to make their dreams come true. It was this spark that ignited many young men to pursue their own personal greatness. By furthering their sporting development at the UXi Rugby Institutes they, and many more young athletes who are in and have come through the system, have been provided with the tools and opportunities to LEVEL UP in sport and in life.

Our passion lies in creating successful people IN and OUT of sport; and because of this the UXi Sport Rugby Institute development platform continues to do what it was intended to: DEVELOP, IMPROVE, ENLIGHTEN, IGNITE HOPE and ELEVATE athletes to the next level in their sporting careers. Our message to all young aspirant sports athletes: even though the future may seem dark, don’t be afraid. When times are dark, it’s time to shine. It takes just ONE SPARK to pierce a universe of darkness; never give up!

How can UXi Rugby Institutes help you find your way from darkness to international opportunities?

Our Rugby Development programme study options includes the American GED, as well as various Sports education programmes, which can be validated through the international association for the evaluation of qualifications in the USA. This institution is responsible for the evaluation of educational achievement in the USA specifically, with the purpose to benchmark them against education standards in the USA.

From 2024, the UXi International Rugby Institutes will be offering International Bridging programmes that can be followed with the purpose to prepare players for international pathways; this includes various language programmes as well international travel preparation and opportunities to study international accredited programmes in artisan trades, sport and information technology.

CONTACT US for more information: [email protected].

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International Rugby Institutes: The center of the game

Rugby institutes are groups that offer instruction, coaching, and assistance to players of all ages and abilities. These organisations offer expert advice and resources with the goal of advancing the sport and its participants.

It is impossible to exaggerate the value of rugby institutes. Rugby institutions are essential for the expansion and improvement of the game as well as for developing the next generation of all-star players. Rugby institutes, with its emphasis on player development, offer a nurturing and expert environment for young players to develop and enhance their skills.

Rugby institutes have helped many of the best rugby players in the world develop their abilities. These institutions provide players with first-class training facilities and knowledgeable trainers who assist them in realising their full potential. Additionally, they offer a nurturing environment that encourages players to develop on and off the field.

Rugby institutes contribute significantly to the growth of the rugby community as well as player development. Rugby institutes strive to inform and interact with new players, coaches, and spectators through their outreach activities. Additionally, they organise tournaments and contests that unite athletes from all over the world, establishing a feeling of community and advancing the sport as a whole.

Numerous internet resources are available if you’re interested in finding out more about rugby institutes and what they have to offer. There is probably a rugby institute close by that can assist you in achieving your objectives, whether you are a player, coach, or supporter. So why not consider your possibilities right now?

Benefits of Enrolling at a Rugby Institute for Your Career

A rugby-athlete can benefit greatly from joining a rugby institute. Some of the main benefits are as follows:

Professional Training:
Rugby institutes give you access to professional training facilities and knowledgeable coaches who can assist you in honing your abilities and realising your maximum potential. You can perform better and gain a competitive advantage from this specialised instruction.

Supportive Environment:
Rugby institutions provide a safe, encouraging atmosphere for athletes to develop both on and off the field. You can gain the self-assurance and mental toughness you need to excel at the top levels of the sport in this encouraging environment.

Networking Opportunities:
Rugby institutions offer networking chances with other players, coaches, and business executives. You can grow in your rugby career and find new chances thanks to these relationships.

Competition:
Rugby institutions conduct competitions and events that draw athletes from all over the world. These experiences are beneficial since they enable you to evaluate your progress and pinpoint your areas for development.

Career Development:
Rugby institutions also provide resources and assistance for professional development. These institutes can assist you in achieving your long-term objectives, from gaining sponsorships to transferring into coaching or other rugby-related employment.

Your rugby career can benefit greatly by joining a rugby institute. Rugby institutions provide a comprehensive package to assist players in realising their full potential, including professional instruction, a nurturing environment, networking opportunities, and career development. So why not look into your possibilities and locate the ideal rugby institute for you?


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Griquas Rugby Development DIAMOND CAMPAIGN

Griquas Rugby and UXi Sport are investing into the development of its NEXT GENERATION DIAMONDS!

This is a call for all talented rugby players to apply to be awarded a 50% bursary, by Griquas Rugby Union and UXi Sport, to attend the UXi GRIQUAS RUGBY INSTITUTE FOR 2023!

Griquas Rugby is investing into 20 talented rugby players’ further individual player development through the UXi Griquas Rugby Institute.

This involves an Individual Player Development plan and pathway for 1 year, starting February 2023 to January 2024.

  • High-Performance rugby athletic development.
  • Based on successful performance, an opportunity to play Griquas Under 20 and Under 21 Currie Cup.
  • An opportunity to study whilst involved in the Griquas Rugby Institute rugby development program.
  • Attend the High-Performance development program daily for 5 hours at the Windhoek Draught Stadium for 12 months (fields, gym, classroom and team’s room)

Terms and Conditions

  • Only applicable to NORTHERN-CAPE RESIDENTS (proof of residence and school of origin will be required)
  • Letter of reference from a school principal or coach
  • A letter of motivation why YOU deserve this opportunity
  • NB: Parents/Sponsor must be employed and able to support the players accommodation/transport and financial balance of the program

APPLY TODAY by emailing [email protected] for an application form.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 15th NOVEMBER 2022

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UXi Harlequins International Rugby Institute Press Release

PRESS RELEASE
UXi Harlequins International Rugby Institute

Today, after many months of research and negotiations as well as various closed-door meetings, the Harlequins Rugby Club, its Executives and ‘Brooks and Bands’ are proud to announce that they are taking hands with UXi Sport to establish a much-needed Harlequins International Rugby Institute (HIRI), that will make a significant impact on the Under 20 and Under 21 rugby landscape of South-Africa and specifically in the Pretoria Region.

The Executives of the Harlequins Rugby Club and ‘Brooks and Bands’ recognize the increasing need for raw talent identification and the development of rugby as a sport in rural and underdeveloped communities. The development of talent that haven’t been contracted or had opportunities at Provincial or national level and those with and without university exemption, will be a priority focus. The Harlequins Rugby Club objectives are to develop rugby players through this Institute, as well as address the shortage of coaches, referees and unique skills development (video and game analysts, project managers, club administrator/managers) in the rugby world locally and nationally. Through this initiative, we are assisting in creating job opportunities and HOPE for the Province’s Under 20 and Under 21 aspirant rugby players, and this will become a major talent investment into its rugby club system, strengthening club rugby and the club rugby competitions as a whole in the Pretoria Region as well as the communities in which they operate.

The Rugby Institute will focus on High Performance rugby development on a world-class level, combined with Accredited Tertiary Academic qualifications that will ensure employability of its student rugby athletes for a career during and after rugby, all part of a structured disciplined programme that will be based at the Harlequins Rugby Club in Pretoria. UXi Sport is excited to announce the appointment of Gert Mulder as Head of Institute and Program Manager, veterans Jannie Brooks as Strength and Conditioning Coach, and Richard Bands as Specialist forwards’ coach. This dynamic duo will also drive the ‘Brooks and Bands Forwards factory’ nationally across all UXI Rugby Institutes.
UXi Sport is a division of UXi Pty (Ltd) and is the current operations partner of the Cheetahs Institute of Excellence, Western Province Rugby Academies, Puma Rugby Institute, Griquas Rugby Institute and the North-West Rugby Academy.

The Program offering for 2023 will include three different Rugby Program Options: “Pro-Player” High Performance Rugby; “Semi-Pro” Total Rugby Development Program; and a variety of Rugby Careers including Rugby Coach, Strength & Conditioning Coach and Video & Game Analyst/Performance Coach. The academic offerings will be extended to Artisan Trades (ASV), Agriculture (ASV), Marketing and Business (IMM), and various Sports and Fitness qualifications (HFPA) from 2023.

UXi Sport’s vision is “Inspiring Greatness, through Sports to life”. UXi Sport C.O.O., Thea Miller, says “we are passionate about the development and employability of the youth in South Africa. Through this initiative with the Harlequins Rugby Club and ‘Brooks and Bands’, UXi Sport will contribute to the upliftment of communities, creating better South African citizens that will be the future leaders and business owners in the economy.”
As Nelson Mandela said, “Sport is a language that the youth understands”, through the underpinning values that a sport like rugby cultivates in young men and women, the youth is developed not only in their sport, but through sport and Skills-based Qualifications, they will display a work-readiness that will differentiate them from everyone else.

NOW it’s time to create the same opportunities for many other young talented rugby players in Blue Bulls territory! It’s time to build.

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The Past, the Future, and everything in between

“Memory looks back in order to move forward” ~ Marty Rubin

In today’s high-achieving and fast-paced society, we impatiently race ahead to the next challenge before the dust can even settle on the previous one. Whilst we often convince ourselves that we are “living in the moment”, we’re generally telling ourselves “it’s time to move” and pushing forwards towards the future. In our burning desire to move full force into the future, we tend to associate the act of “looking back” with a negative connotation.

While the rear view window seems less exciting and less important than the windscreen in front of you, your rear view window is absolutely vital! If you don’t use the present moment sensibly and pay attention to what is behind you, you can quite easily find yourself caught up in a major accident. As is such in life: often we need to take a step back from our daily routines and spend time acknowledging just how far we’ve truly come. 

Now as you’re reading this article, I want you to stop and analyze. I want you to think about who you were 3 years ago. How old were you? What did your daily life look like back then? What was your biggest worry or fear? What were you dreaming to achieve? Answer these questions for yourself. Now, I want you to think about your life right at this very moment, and compare the two. Did you achieve the goals that you set out for yourself, or are you mourning for the past worries you once had? Are you proud of who you’ve become?

A year ago, you were possibly sitting down to study for your Class 12 Physics exam, trying to figure out how a “moving coil galvanometer” works, not ever imagining that you may be in a Junior Rugby Union team right now. Or a few months ago, you were maybe only able to leg press 80kgs in your local small-town gym, and now you’re leg pressing 80kgs as your warm up in a UXi High Performance super gym! Or this time a few years ago, you were possibly going through one of the toughest times in your life, that you felt you’d never get through, but here you are today, stronger than ever. We could go on about the number of turns that time has created in our lives; nevertheless, when we look back at our past, no matter how long ago, different or difficult it was, we are able to reflect on how we have grown as individuals.

On the flip side, whilst the view out of the windscreen may be exhilarating, there is an undeniable danger in trying to look beyond what you can clearly see. When we drive, we don’t focus on the road that’s a kilometer away; that would be pointless and dangerous. We focus on the road in front of us right now. In today’s society, there is an unwavering amount of pressure put on young people to have their entire lives figured out overnight, and know each move they’re going to make at each moment in their lives; constantly trying to be years ahead of the present. More often than not, our minds are plagued by future or anticipated trouble that we feel like we need to try and control. 

Maybe you’re worrying about sustaining an injury in one of your rugby matches, and thinking “what impact will that have on the rest of my life going forwards”. Or perhaps you’re worried what your future may look like if you don’t get selected for that u/20 squad or earn that University bursary – what then? “If I don’t achieve X, then that means Y will happen”; the “what if’s” and ”should haves” are exhausting, right? At the end of the day, the only hindrance greater than refusing to acknowledge the lessons of the past, is worrying too much about the uncontrollable future.

Now I know what you’re thinking…between appreciating the past and not getting so caught up in the future, when did living in the present get so complex? It’s mentally and physically draining! So what do we do? The power is the principle of practicing mindfulness and taking comfort in the act of moving forwards throughout your day “one step at a time”. The past has gone – learn and grow from it. The future is going to come regardless – worrying about it now won’t change it. All we have is right now – use the present moment wisely and earnestly. Simply apply the principle of moving forward.

The secret to health for both mind and body, in perfect balance, is the carrying coil of wellness. Remember, the body is not to mourn its past mistakes, but be in a position of health and celebrate the future.

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The Benefits of Attending a Rugby Institute in South Africa

You don’t need to be an expert in sports history to know that rugby holds a treasured position as a national pastime in South Africa.

Rugby in South Africa stretches back more than 150 years and has offered people of all backgrounds a chance to rise to the top of the elite sports world.

If you want to truly make the most of what the sport has to offer, a rugby high-performance programme can help you do exactly that. Read on to find out what attending an international rugby institute in South Africa can do for you.

A High-Performance Program Takes You Further

Many players are unaware of the benefits of attending a rugby institute. A high-performance rugby institute is so much more than after-school rugby training. It is a dedicated programme run by leading industry professionals and coaches that develops an athlete holistically. 

It is designed to mould you into a rugby player that can compete professionally in a rugby team on the world stage, through vigorous, cutting-edge training.

By enrolling in a top rugby institute, you can get serious about building a world-class athletic career, here or overseas. 

Get An International Rugby Institute Scholarship

It’s no secret that playing rugby can be a huge boon for your university application. Not only does it show that you are a team player, hard-working, and ambitious, but it can also open the doors to a valuable scholarship.

With the right training, you could stand out from the herd and show the best universities in the world that you have what it takes.

If you’re good enough, you can apply for and receive a full rugby scholarship at your dream university. The right international rugby institutes can help you get there.

 Spending a year at reputable rugby academies or institutes, can assist you to become a better rugby athlete by providing opportunities to senior rugby leagues and even Currie Cup competitions, whilst also offering you an opportunity to obtain Practical Education and Training qualifications in various fields of study. These additional competition achievements and a further qualification will most definitely set you apart.

See the World

Even if you don’t rise to the top of the professional leagues, your rugby skills can take you places you never thought possible.

As a competitive rugby player, you could end up touring the country, or other continents to play rugby in some of the most hallowed sporting venues on Earth.

By choosing rugby as your passion, you could play your beloved game in Sydney, Buenos Aires, London, Cardiff, Wellington or the United States. 

Form Valuable Connections

One of the most valuable aspects of attending a rugby institute is the connections and friends you make along the way. Rugby is often associated with success.

Many of your peers could end up excelling in a wide variety of fields.

Just think of all of the leading politicians, businesspeople, and celebrities who played rugby in their younger days. If you can see the value of lifelong connections like these, choose an international rugby institute today. 

Join the Best of SA Rugby Institutes Today

If your eyes are open to the benefits of a Rugby high-performance program, you have come to the right place.

At UXI Sport International Rugby Institute, we train some of the best and brightest Rugby players in South Africa.

The UXI Rugby Institutes offers specialized program packages for international players who would love an opportunity to learn from the rugby proud South Africans and explore iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town to the Kruger National Park. To find out more about what our international rugby institute can do for you, do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today. We look forward to hearing from you.

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From UXi International Rugby Institute to Naka Bulls Rugby (IRI)

How to find your way into the prestigious Blue Bulls club league.

Many school boys  dream of pulling a Blue Bulls jersey over their heads one day!

Is this an impossible dream or is there a pathway no matter where you come from? 

The Blue Bulls top high schools are most certainly some of the strongest in South Africa and even school colleges in the world. South Africa is blessed with an abundance of top rugby schools hosting not only the greatest talent, but top quality coaching staff and systems that can compare to those at the top Rugby Unions in the country.

The recent international tours to South Africa from schools abroad and clubs, whether European or USA rugby teams, have been complimentary to the physical ability of players in South Africa at Under 19 and 20.  The recent success of the Junior Bokke in their overseas tournaments have also displayed the strength of the rugby quality in the top rugby schools in South Africa.

It is a fact that not every rugby player will get an opportunity to join a professional rugby side directly after school, but the good news is that there is HOPE if a player possesses the talent to develop and improve. For this a reputable higher performance program is required that focuses on the individual player development needs. A dedicated high performance program that also focuses on the strength and conditioning of the athlete for position specific requirements, all in an effort to get the player stronger, fitter and through skills development smarter in his position of play. 

A program that can assist a player to reach his or her full potential and make a significant difference in his game of rugby. Competing in a top South African rugby league such as the Western Province and Blue Bulls Pretoria is one of the best development opportunities a player can ask for when attending a high performance program. The club leagues are strong and can put the newly developed skills and techniques to the test. 

The one thing that many players don’t comprehend when asked about the benefits of a rugby academy or institute,  is that  in an academy or institute program players are coached to win, whereas,at the Club or Union they coach the team to win! Once you arrive at these training sessions you must already possess the competitive skills and techniques to obtain a position in the team. The focus is not on the player’s ability to improve whatever skills they lack, the focus is on the player’s unique skills and ability to contribute to the TEAM’s strategy to win a match or tournament.

Whether the player strive to get better to play international rugby in the United States or have an opportunity to be noticed by his favorite South African Franchise, rugby academies, reputable SA  rugby Institutes such as UXI RI or IRI (Naka Bulls), can through a national development program, and with hard work and dedication from the players, get  a player to his/her highest level of competition, and to play rugby of the highest standard. 

UXI International Rugby programs are designed to improve and develop both players and coaches. The Institutes allow for an easy transition from player development to coaches development as a career choice that opens the doors to many opportunities. 

UXI Sport will have a footprint in Blue Bulls rugby in the near future with its new planned Institute at Harlequins Rugby Club. An international brand that will also allow for exchange opportunities for our players nationally. 

More announcements to follow soon!

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Rugby and Travel

What you need to know 

So many rugby players in South Africa dream of receiving an international rugby opportunity in the hope to earn the foreign currency contracts that many A league rugby clubs offer in Europe, the United States (as USA rugby is developing fast) and even other areas of the world.

 This is mainly because of the South African rugby system’s post school inability to satisfy the quench for professional rugby pathways and competitions to many aspirant players who don’t receive bursaries, rugby scholarships, other sport scholarships or rugby union contracts. College rugby is non-existent and professional sporting development platforms too.

In the past two years many organizations have emerged that offer rugby opportunities abroad with the promise of placement and transfer of talented players into lucrative contracts, and/or promote themselves as a recruitment agency specialising in these opportunities. But the question is do they deliver on their promises, and what are the real life experiences of many players whose parents or sponsors paid the expensive price in an effort to afford their players the opportunity to play rugby on foreign soil?

Many players return with experiences that range from good to almost career destroying. Few parents and players are prepared for the fluctuating exchange rates and cost of living abroad, many hidden costs not disclosed, language and cultural barriers, and too often poor living conditions. Players and coaches can be rude and unwelcoming, expecting a lot more from players than what they are truly prepared for.  

Although there are players that have beaten the odds, the success rate of post school international placement is low. The club systems in Europe function entirely differently to the typical South African mainstream clubs, with strong youth development strategies, and strong junior academies with intense rugby development programs.

Our advice to players aspiring for an international playing opportunity, would be to prepare very well!

Not only from a rugby perspective, but also in strength and conditioning, mental and physical health, financially, know how to travel and survive abroad, request information to important services such as transport, medical, accommodation, daily nutrition, but also being prepared to communicate in the language of the country they are traveling to.

We recommend for a player athlete to register as a student athlete at rugby academies with a credible reputation for individual player development. The UXI Rugby Institutes have many success stories of individuals who registered as a player with the purpose to travel overseas in a better athletic form a few months later. The professional CV’s, that is developed through video and game analysis, continuous monitoring and evaluation, data analysis allows for the compilation of a portfolio that is credible. Add to this a Curry Cup cap or 4, play experience in a rugby club in an A league in South Africa,  a qualification in an occupation that has international standing, language lessons a life skills program that equips the player for life, and a WELL prepared player departs on an overseas journey with a higher success probability. 

UXI’s International Rugby institutes’ programs have benefited many overseas clubs and players alike. Every year a number of overseas players join the UXI Rugby Institute program to learn from one of the best rugby nations in the world https://uxisport.co.za/rugby-careers/ .The program also assists coaches with skills and qualifications, and with the demand internationally for coaches the player can also be employed as such at international clubs. 

UXI International Rugby Institutes will prepare you for;

  1. Rugby opportunities Europe,
  2. Rugby opportunities Germany,
  3. Rugby opportunities USA,
  4. Rugby opportunities UK.

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OVERCOMING THE POVERTY PANDEMIC IN SPORT

UXI INTERNATIONAL RUGBY INSTITUTES RESPOND

I recently read an article of a once brilliant rugby player who was fortunate to land a rugby contract immediately after school, but now lives in a tiny backyard room of his family’s humble home.

Then my journey started to research the success rate of post rugby career professionals in life after their careers and or contracts came to an end. The results were shocking to discover how many junior contracted players dropped out of rugby within the 1st 3 years of receiving them. The sad reality is that a very small percentage of these drop-outs had any other skill sets to provide employment for them after their opportunities in rugby ended.

Due to the covid-19 crisis, South Africa’s sports industry was one of the hardest hit and the long term effects will take years to recover.

However a poverty pandemic in sport was already present before covid played a role, when analyzing evidence based research of once contracted player athletes then to where they are in the present day, who is to blame?

Is it the Unions with an absence of player support programmes such as life-skills and player wellness in elite sport? Or does the career guidance and counseling offered in the classrooms and on field at school fail our youth? Maybe it is the parent’s who are also ignorant in understanding the realities and risks of professional rugby and contract at all cost attitudes, and that a 10 year or longer career with millions of rand contracts per annum is only a reality for less than 1% of all players.

No one ever thinks of lifelong medical costs and mental health. The temptation to soar high with lucrative junior contracts and invest in temporary luxury such as clothing, cars, jewelry and holidays often outweighs smart choices such as investing in skills acquisition, and saving for retirement and or investing wisely. The fact remains that it becomes a vicious circle that in many cases has a domino effect on more than one life or family.

The truth is that there is an increasing demand for qualified rugby coaches at all levels of junior and senior rugby in South Africa in every province,  as well as for video and game analysts and Rugby specific strength and conditioning coaches. Most top rugby schools are now running their rugby departments as professional units so this in itself is creating job opportunities everywhere. 

Love or hate the Springbok, South Africa is also known as one of the top ranking rugby nations in the world and most developing rugby countries want to learn from us. UXI Rugby Institutes have placed a number of players in international coaching roles, and with its new Coaching Career programs will offer aspirant young coaches the opportunity to learn from some of  the best coaches in the industry, whilst job shadowing, being mentored by them and receiving work placement to build up the required hours for World Rugby Level 2 Coach as well as a National Certificate in Coaching, whilst also earning a salary. 


Marketing and business knowledge in sport can create various opportunities in sport but also offers valuable knowledge in managing your own name as a brand in sport. All players in the high performance program are encouraged to study the IMM express programs that is short, impactful and packed with the fundamentals of branding and marketing of a brand.

In so doing UXI International Rugby Institutes are not just taking a player not afforded any opportunities in contract and bursary models elsewhere to real opportunities on-field but mostly creating in each individual a true champion for life!

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