The Past (1980 - 1999)

Rugby camps have taken place in Armidale, NSW Australia, since the early 1980's. They were organised and run by the NSW Waratahs until 2000, when New England Rugby Union (NERU) took it over.

The Present (2000 - Present)

Brothers Paul and Dave Schmude organise the camp on behalf of NERU. Both have a deep passion for rugby and the development of young players, particularly in the regional areas. Since 2000, the camp has gone from strength to strength with attendees coming from all over Australia, making this camp truly 'national'. We have even had young players travel from New Zealand to to join us in this great experience!

The 2010 camp was of special significance, as it was the 10th anniversary since the Schmude brothers took over the organisation and development of the Camp.

The Future

For further details on how you can be a part of this great rugby event, please contact us. If you would like to know the details of upcoming camps, previous VIP guests or possible package deals, please visit our Rugby Camp page.

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At the Camp

• Where and when is the camp held?

  

  The Camp will be in mid-January, 201 in Armidale, NSW. The actual venue is SportUNE located in the University of New England campus.

• Will I need to do tackling or play rugby games?

  

  Yes, the Camp's program has been designed to develop these skills, in order to best improve the player'srugby skills in a safe and constructed environment. There will be a lot of modified games to assist and develop their skills and put into action what they have learnt in that particular training session. On the final day of the Camp, we have run full rugby games. This gives each partciapant an opportunity to apply their new skills that they have developed during their time at the Camp.

• Do I need to bring food or money?

  

  Depending on the Option (A, B or C) you choose, meals are provided at the Camp for the campers while they are in our care. The meals are included in the Camp price (absolutely no hidden costs) and there will also be fruit and drinks provided for snacks during breaks.

  * Option A = lunch | Option B = breakfast, lunch and dinner | Option C = lunch and dinner

• What should I bring to the Camp?

  

  Each camper will be provided with a Sports Pack , which includes a cap, water bottle and t-shirt. We also suggest each camper brings a mouthguard, rugby boots, towels (shower & swimming), toiletries, casual clothes (to wear at meal times), training gear (allow 5 days – in case of bad weather) and swimming gear.

• Does the price include any travel assitance?

  

  No, the price is only to cover the costs of the Camp alone. Participants will have to make there own way to Amridale.

• What if I've never played rugby before?

  

  The camp has been developed for kids who have no rugby experience and also for kids who have been playing rugby for many years. The Camp program is designed to focus on developing many of the basic rugby skills (particularly for the 8-10 year olds). Each partcipant will be challenged at their level each day of the Camp. There is a particular focus on passing, catching and evading, which are skills that are prized in Rugby Union at all levels, as well as some specialised skills such as rucking and backline play.

• Can girls attend the Camp?

  

  Absolutely! Every year we have a couple of girls attend. The Camp is for girls and boys aged 8 - 17 years. All girls who attend the camp will participate in exactly the same drills as the boys. Girls will board in separate buildings to the boys.

• Do my parents have to participate?

  

  No. The camp is delivered by professional, trained coaching staff, so there is no need to volunteer. If you choose to have your child board during the camp, they will be looked after by people with boarding experience.