MEDIA WATCH

UXi Podcast – Episode 1: High-Performance Culture

In this episode, we explore the high-performance culture at UXi and its impact on the 2025 High Performance Rugby Programme.

Hear from the directors as they share their messages to parents and players, discussing the core values that drive UXi’s success and the strategies used to maintain high performance. They highlight the importance of leadership, collaboration, and innovation in creating a thriving environment for athletes.

Whether you’re a parent supporting your child’s athletic journey or a player aspiring to reach new heights, this episode offers valuable insights from those leading the charge at UXi.

UXi Podcast – Episode 2: High-Performance Strength & Conditioning Standards

In this episode, we delve into the high-performance standards and attitudes that define UXi’s approach to athletic excellence.

Join us as the National Strength and Conditioning Managers share their messages to parents and players, providing valuable insights into what lies ahead for the UXi High Performance Rugby Programme in 2025. They discuss the core principles that drive success, the importance of maintaining high standards, and the attitudes necessary for achieving peak performance.

Whether you’re a parent supporting your child’s athletic journey or a player aspiring to excel, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the strategies and expectations that will shape the future of UXi’s rugby programme.

UXi Podcast – Episode 3: CEO Message to the Parents/Guardians

In this episode, we hear from the CEO of the UXi High-Performance Rugby Programme as she discusses the vital role parents play in their child’s athletic journey.

Discover the importance of open communication, trusting the process, and having confidence in the coaches who are dedicated to developing each athlete’s potential. Learn how parents can best support their children by fostering independence, resilience, and a growth mindset, allowing them to thrive both on and off the field.

Whether you’re a parent navigating the world of high-performance sport or an athlete striving for success, this episode offers valuable insights into building a supportive and trusting environment for long-term development.

UXi Podcast – Episode 4: Data and Match Performance Metrics

In this episode, we explore the vital role of data and performance analysis in the UXi High-Performance Rugby Programme.

Join us as the Data and Sport Scientist, along with the National Manager of Performance Analysis, break down the monitoring systems, skills testing, and conditioning assessments used to track player development. They also discuss the in-depth match analysis process and how this data is integrated into training programs to drive performance improvements.

Learn how key insights are reported back to players and parents, the platforms used for communication, and why data-driven decision-making is essential for athletic growth. Whether you’re an athlete striving for peak performance or a parent wanting to stay informed, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the science behind high-performance rugby.

UXi Podcast – Episode 5: Medical Screening and Injury Protocols

In this episode, we take a deep dive into injury management and rehabilitation within the UXi High-Performance Rugby Programme.

Join us as the National Manager of Injury and Rehabilitation walks us through the medical screening process and functional movement screening—essential tools that help identify potential areas of concern and prevent old injuries from reoccurring. Learn how injuries are managed, the structured approach to monitoring rehabilitation, and why openness and honesty about injury history are crucial for long-term performance and well-being.

Whether you’re a player striving to stay in peak condition or a parent wanting to understand the support systems in place, this episode provides essential insights into keeping athletes healthy, strong, and ready for the game.

UXi Podcast – Episode 6: Orientation & the Rite of Passage

In this episode, we sit down with the UXi Sport Director of Rugby (South) to reflect on the past few weeks of orientation across all campuses. He takes us through what went down during this crucial period, from setting the tone for the season to ensuring every player understands the high-performance culture expected at UXi.

We also dive into the Rite of Passage (ROP)—a tough but meaningful process designed to instill discipline and accountability. Learn about the challenges players faced, the lessons learned, and the ROP sessions they had to endure if they fell short of key HP culture behaviors, such as arriving late or failing to bring their notebook to boardroom sessions.

Whether you’re an aspiring athlete looking to step up your game or a parent eager to understand the development journey, this episode offers an inside look at the standards and traditions that shape future rugby stars.

UXi Podcast – Episode 7: Navigating Finance Options at UXi

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the financial aspects at UXi.

Join us as Carol Jacobs, National Finance Manager, and Alexia Rudolph, Financial Assistant, break down the various finance options available to students. They walk us through the bursary application process, explain what happens if you fall behind on payments, and share key insights on managing tuition fees effectively.

Whether you’re a student exploring funding options or a parent wanting clarity on financial procedures, this episode provides essential information to help you navigate the financial side of your UXi journey with confidence.

UXi Podcast – Episode 8: Termly Reports

In this episode, we take a closer look at how to interpret the term report at UXi, an essential tool used to track a player’s development throughout the season.

Join us as the National Performance Analysis Manager walks us through each section of the report in detail. From understanding physical testing data and game performance metrics to tracking personal development and goal-setting, he explains how each component contributes to a comprehensive picture of a player’s growth.

He also highlights the differences between what a first-year player’s report might look like versus that of a senior player, and shares how to identify trends and areas for improvement over time. If you’ve ever wondered how to make sense of the numbers, graphs, and comments in the report—this episode breaks it all down.

Whether you’re a player striving to reach your full potential, a parent wanting to stay informed, or a coach supporting athlete progress, this episode offers valuable insights into how to interpret and apply the term report effectively.

UXi Podcast – Episode 9: Term 1 S&C Update

In this episode, we sit down with our National Strength and Conditioning Managers to unpack how Term 1 has unfolded across the UXi ecosystem.

From in-depth testing results to the noticeable improvements in the athletic condition of incoming players—many of whom arrived in better shape than previous years—they take us through the key trends and takeaways from the first part of the season. They also explain the significance of our “Right of Passage” testing, shedding light on how it fits into the bigger picture of player development.

Looking ahead, we get a preview of what’s in store for Term 2, including continued performance targets, training priorities, and how the physical program will evolve to meet the needs of each player.

Whether you’re an athlete, parent, or coach, this episode offers great insight into the physical preparation that underpins long-term success on and off the field.

UXi Podcast – Episode 10: International Students

In this episode, we turn our attention to the international voices within our program. We sit down with several of our international student-athletes to hear firsthand about their journey—why they chose to join us, how they’ve adapted to life in a new country, and what they hope to gain from their experience here.

From cultural adjustments to academic and athletic goals, they share candid insights into what it’s really like to be part of the program from abroad. We also speak with our Director of Rugby, who unpacks what makes the program so appealing to international players, and how their presence enriches the overall environment for everyone involved.

Whether you’re a prospective student, a curious parent, or just interested in the global reach of our rugby development system, this episode offers a unique perspective on the international experience at UXi.

UXi Podcast – Episode 11: Unlocking Mental Resilience with Tom Painter

In this episode, we delve into the world of mental skills and performance psychology with Tom Painter, a seasoned coach and co-founder of Apex Mental Skills. With over a decade of experience, Tom has worked with elite athletes, including players from Munster and Leinster Academies, to enhance their mental resilience and performance.

Currently, Tom collaborates with our Director of Rugby, Anton Moolman, at Villagers RFC, focusing on developing the mental skills of their players. His recent session with our players was so impactful and it was presented across all six of our institutes nationwide, emphasizing the mental attributes essential for success in rugby and beyond.

Tom’s approach is rooted in building authentic relationships, fostering trust, respect, and compassion to create a safe environment for athletes to explore and develop their mental fortitude. His philosophy underscores the belief that mental skills are not innate but can be cultivated through education and practice.

UXi Podcast – Episode 12: Progress, Pathways & Long-Term Player Development (Programme Managers)

In this episode, we sit down with programme managers from across the country to reflect on the journey so far, sharing insights from the first two terms of the year within the UXi High-Performance Rugby Programme.

We explore the evolution of each programme, the lessons learned on and off the field, and the progress made by athletes nationwide. The discussion also dives into the importance of long-term player development, unpacking why a 2–3 year pathway is crucial for unlocking an athlete’s full potential—both physically and mentally.

If you’re a player, parent, coach, or simply passionate about youth development in sport, this episode offers a transparent, informative look into how structured planning and national alignment are shaping the future of South African rugby talent.

UXi Podcast – Episode 13: Strength, Structure & Player Resilience (S&C Coaches & Biokinetics)

In this episode, we catch up with our Strength and Conditioning coaches from around the country for an in-depth look at how the physical side of the UXi High-Performance Rugby Programme is progressing.

The conversation unpacks how gym programmes are carefully tailored to suit each athlete’s unique profile—whether they’re a first-year student, a senior player, or an international athlete spending just a few months in the system. We explore how these players are integrated seamlessly into the national structure, ensuring alignment, individualisation, and consistency across all campuses.

We also touch on how player loads are monitored and adjusted to support long-term development and prevent burnout. To round off the episode, we’re joined by one of our biokineticists who shares insights into injury management, rehabilitation protocols, and our structured approach to returning athletes safely to the field.

Whether you’re interested in athletic performance, sports science, or injury prevention, this episode offers a transparent and practical view into what keeps our players strong, healthy, and ready to perform.