GPS Elite Rugby Academy
WHY US?
Proven Track Record: GPS has a long history of producing Premier Grade and professional players.
Club Culture: A supportive environment where young players thrive.
Elite but Accessible: Professional-level preparation within an amateur club framework.
Relationships that Matter: Ongoing mentoring, life lessons, and lifelong friendships.
Building the Future
GPS Rugby Union Club, we are committed to developing the next generation of elite rugby talent through a high-performance program that operates alongside our club programs helping recruits learn how to play the ‘GPS WAY’. The GPS Elite Rugby Academy provides a structured, supportive, professional and world class environment that nurtures aspiring young athletes as they transition from school programs into Colts, senior Premier Grade club rugby and into professional environments.
The GPS Elite Rugby Academy is a clear pathway for emerging athletes to maximise both rugby and career development. Centred on a whole-of-athlete, high-performance approach, the Academy helps aspiring rugby union athletes pursue their goals on the field and in life, balancing an elite rugby program with study, work, and wellbeing.
Academy athletes train and compete within one of Australia’s largest rugby clubs, immersed in an inclusive and aspirational GPS rugby community. The program combines high-quality coaching, strength and conditioning, performance analysis, and off-field education delivered by leading Queensland professionals and GPS coaches. The aim is to sharpen rugby skills and IQ, build life skills, and create networks that open short and long-term opportunities.
Great people make great GPS rugby players! The Academy’s strength is its focus on the individual: tailored plans, targeted feedback, and mentorship in a high-performing team environment. We’re committed to helping each athlete reach their potential.
The program will commence with a 1-day Camp on the last weekend of January and run through to the middle of July.
PROGRAM INCLUSIONS
Rugby Specific Program
The Academy elevates each athlete’s game understanding, physical capacity, and positional awareness. Players progress through targeted blocks including individual skill development, decision making under pressure, unit/small unit work, and strength and conditioning. Every athlete receives an individual plan that connects field sessions, gym work, recovery routines, and periodic performance reviews.
Elite coaching and mentoring: Hands-on guidance from GPS coaches, specialist skills staff, and invited current/former professionals, with clear role clarity for each position group.
Strength and conditioning: A periodised plan tailored to the individual including speed, power and robustness which prioritises injury prevention and long-term development rather than short-term peaks.
Performance analysis: Game and training reviews with individual feedback; use of video and GPS data to track trends and set next step goals.
Wellbeing and education: Practical sessions on nutrition, mental skills and resilience, leadership, time management, and career planning to support life around rugby.
Guest presenters: Insights from professional athletes, coaches, and sports science practitioners to broaden perspective and sharpen habits.
Pathway connection: Direct alignment with GPS Colts and Premier systems, with appropriate links to QRU and representative opportunities where suitable.
WEEK TO WEEK RHYTHM
Academy athletes attend every Wednesday evening across the season window (alongside their regular team trainings).
On Field Rugby
The aim is to create a world class environment where every athlete reaches their potential. Sessions mix game play, position specific drills, core skill activities, and team/unit/small unit scenario work that replicates weekend demands.
Strength and conditioning
Athletes follow an individual, periodised S&C program through pre-season and in-season phases, with regular check ins and updates based on testing, training load, and game demands.
Nutrition and recovery
Athletes are provided with evidence-based sports nutrition advice designed to enhance fuel utilisation, support optimal performance, and promote efficient recovery. Services may encompass body composition assessments, educational seminars, hydration protocols, and guidance on appropriate supplementation.
Wellness and monitoring
Simple weekly wellness check ins help coaches adjust load and support players early. The aim is consistent availability: manage red flags, follow return to play protocols, and keep the players progressing across the whole season.
OFF FIELD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Week to Week Rhythm
Off-field modules are delivered alongside the single weekly Academy night. Most are short, practical micro-sessions; others bring in guest speakers (coaches, sports science professionals, industry leaders) to broaden perspective.
Goal setting and reviews
At induction, each player sets clear on-field and off-field goals for the season and the year ahead. Goals are revisited in short monthly workshops, with progress tracked against each player’s Individual Development Plan (IDP) and agreed next steps after every block.
Education and leadership
We run practical sessions on leadership, winning habits, decision-making under pressure, and professional behaviours. Content is built around the GPS rugby calendar so players can apply it immediately at training, on game day, at Uni, or at work.
Player mentoring and networking
Every athlete has access to mentors drawn from the GPS community ranging from current and former players, coaches, and trusted club partners. Mentoring conversations support rugby development, study/work balance, and life admin (time management, communication, planning). Where useful, we’ll help connect players to the right people for advice or opportunities.
Pathways and careers
We leverage the GPS business and community network to open doors for players who are proactive about their future:
Trades and apprenticeships: Introductions to reputable employers and guidance on balancing work with rugby loads.
Professional and tertiary pathways: Connections to industry contacts, resume/interview support, and advice on managing study alongside training.
Further rugby opportunities: Alignment with GPS Colts and Premier systems, with guidance on higher honours pathways where appropriate.