Something for every die-hard rugby fan
As you would expect from a nation infatuated with the game, New Zealand offers a range of unique experiences for all who share a passion for rugby.
From an International Rugby Academy to arguably the first museum in the world devoted solely to the rugby football code there’s something for every die-hard rugby enthusiast and player.
Palmerston North, just over two hours from New Zealand’s capital city Wellington, is the International Rugby Academy of New Zealand (IRANZ).
All Black legend Murray Mexted is the Academy’s Managing Director and heads the coaching team that includes other New Zealand rugby greats, Wayne Shelford and Sean Fitzpatrick. Australian internationals John Eales and David Campese also add their strength to the courses available to top rugby players, coaches and managers.
The academy has the latest in sport specific technology, including an all weather indoor training surface and advanced video analysis equipment.
Although based in New Zealand, the Academy maintains a strong international focus with course enrolments from a number of international rugby heavyweights including South Africa, Australia, Scotland and Ireland.
Further north, is Rotorua’s New Zealand Sports Academy (NZSA). It has the world’s only cross-cultural, fully integrated rugby and career development learning experience. NZSA was founded in 1999 by former New Zealand Maori player and Tongan World Cup coach Jim Love. It’s available to both New Zealanders and those from overseas.
Promising rugby players between the ages of 17-25yrs from throughout New Zealand are recruited to attend a 38 week rugby and career development programme which includes tuition in nutrition, weight training and mental conditioning. But they also get trade training to help develop skills off the field.
A crucial component of the NZSA is the infusion of Māori language and culture into the programme which includes tuition in Māori language skills and traditional customs such as Haka, Māori weaponry and ancient medicines.
For the more passive rugby experience there is Palmerston North’s New Zealand Rugby Museum. The museum houses a mammoth collection of memorabilia sourced from around the globe.
Perhaps more important than the items on display, is the history behind them, and Curator Bob Luxford is more than happy to share their stories and his wealth of rugby knowledge with any rugby enthusiast.
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