Aggie Bradshaw
19 May 2023: The University of Canberra and the Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies are teaming up to deliver a first-class Senior Women’s Rugby Academy, to be run on the University’s Bruce campus.
The Academy will play a crucial role in identifying and developing players into potential Super W and elite Sevens players, while also serving as a dedicated high-performance environment for Brumbies players who are nationally contracted to the Wallaroos and need to train in the Super W off-season.
From identifying talent at grassroots, to developing their game to Olympic level, University of Canberra Director of Sport Carrie Graf said investment in women’s sport is a point of priority for the University.
“The University of Canberra is looking forward to continuing our tradition of supporting and growing the next generation of sporting talent through the ACT Brumbies and UC Senior Women’s Academy,” Ms Graf said.
“As a leading sporting university, UC will continue to prioritise the development of female sportspeople – in this case those involved in Rugby – and continuing our ongoing partnership with the Brumbies to do so.”
This has been a significant year of growth and success for women’s rugby in the region, with the Brumbies Super W side just three points shy of their first Super W final, in a season that saw 16 players debut.
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies General Manager Professional Rugby and Pathways, Chris Thomson said “Developing and growing the women’s game in our region is critical in achieving future success so we’re pleased to be able to take this step, in conjunction with UC, in mirroring our men’s and women’s programs with the introduction of a Senior Women’s Academy.”
"It's important that we are investing not only in the Super W program and its growth, but the pathway for young talent from Canberra and our region to either join our program and represent the ACT at a senior fifteens level, or to progress through the Sevens pathway and the opportunities with UC7s through to the Olympics."
