NSW Rugby Union is gearing up for a huge summer of rugby with the launch of the newly renamed NSW Rugby Union Youth Development Program (formerly the Regional Academy Program).
The initiative will unite 450 of the state’s most promising young players and over 40 coaches, delivering world-class development experiences across six regional and metropolitan hubs.
This summer’s program will reach new heights with the arrival of the Calgary Saints U18 Girls, a touring Canadian side set to play a three-match series in February against representative teams selected from the NSW Youth Development Program.
Three teams will be chosen from the U17 Girls’ cohort to take on the visitors, a NSW Representative XV, featuring players from across all six academies.
Metro XV, representing the Sydney West, Sydney South East, and Sydney North; and a Regional XV, drawn from the Hunter/Central Coast, Northern NSW, and South Western squads.
This summer will also see the introduction of boys’ teams into the NSW Rugby Union Youth Development Program for the first time, marking another major step in the program’s evolution.
The boys’ hubs will mirror the structure and philosophy of the established girls’ program, providing a balanced mix of technical development, performance coaching, and off-field education.
Their inclusion strengthens the state’s holistic approach, ensuring that both male and female players across metro and regional NSW have access to the same high-quality opportunities to develop their skills, character, and connection to the game.
The announcement of the 2025 coaching group adds even more excitement, with a strong mix of experienced mentors and emerging coaches from across the state taking the reins.
The program continues to emphasise not just player development, but also a clear pathway for aspiring coaches, ensuring the next generation of rugby leaders are nurtured alongside the athletes they guide.
In a significant step forward for wellbeing and player care, NSW Rugby Union has also announced a new partnership with Confyde, a digital platform designed to help monitor and support the mental health and wellbeing of all participants throughout the program.
The introduction of this platform reflects NSW Rugby’s ongoing commitment to its Rugby For Good philosophy, ensuring that young athletes are supported not just in performance, but in life.
The partnership with Confyde will allow players to confidentially share how they’re feeling, giving coaches and wellbeing staff the ability to identify when someone may need extra support. It’s another layer in the program’s holistic approach, ensuring every participant feels safe, heard, and valued.
NSW Rugby Union CEO Peter Murphy said the evolution of the program reflects rugby’s growing reach, inclusivity, and responsibility to develop young people both on and off the field.
“The Youth Development Program has grown into one of the most impactful initiatives in our game, connecting communities, providing equal opportunities for regional and metro players, and helping young people develop both as athletes and as people,” Murphy said.
“Our partnership with Confyde reinforces that commitment, putting player wellbeing at the heart of what we do. And welcoming an international touring side like the Calgary Saints adds an exciting new dimension, giving our young athletes the chance to test themselves on the world stage.”
NSW Waratahs Head of Talent Management Andrew Cleverley said the combination of elite rugby opportunities and wellbeing support makes the program one of the most progressive in Australian sport.
“This program gives players and coaches the environment, structure, and support they need to take the next step,” Cleverley said.
“The opportunity to play against an international touring side is something these young women will remember for life, and with initiatives like Confyde, we’re also ensuring they have the right wellbeing support around them to thrive both on and off the field.”
With strong support from the NSW Positive Rugby Foundation, local zones, and dedicated coaches across the state, the NSW Rugby Union Youth Development Program continues to create pathways that empower young athletes, building not only better players but stronger, more resilient communities.
Stay tuned across NSW Rugby’s channels for updates, fixtures, and player announcements as the Calgary Saints Tour Series and 2025 Youth Development Program heat up this summer.
