NSW Rugby Union Expands Youth Development Program

NSW Rugby Union has announced a new and expanded Youth Development Program for summer 2025, uniting more than 450 emerging athletes and 40 coaches across six metro and regional hubs.

The initiative, formerly the Regional Academy Program, continues to strengthen the state’s talent grassroots while enhancing holistic athlete development.

A major highlight of this year’s program will be the arrival of Canadian touring side the Calgary Saints U18 Girls, who will play a three-match series in February. Three representative squads will be selected from the program’s U17 cohort, including a NSW Representative XV, a Metro XV and a Regional XV.

Sharing how the program represents the organisation’s broader responsibility to both the sport and young people across the state, NSW Rugby Union CEO, Peter Murphy, said: “The Youth Development Program has grown into one of the most impactful initiatives in our game, connecting communities and supporting young people as athletes and as people.”

“Welcoming the Calgary Saints adds an exciting international dimension, while our partnership with Confyde ensures player wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do,” Murphy said. 

Highlighting the importance of balancing performance with support, NSW Waratahs head of talent management, Andrew Cleverley, added: “This program gives players and coaches the environment, structure, and support they need to take the next step.”

“Playing an international side is a life-changing opportunity, and wellbeing support ensures they are equipped to thrive on and off the field,” Cleverley said. 

The 2025 program also marks the first inclusion of boys’ development teams, aligning their training environment with the long-established girls’ structure.

The addition reflects NSW Rugby Union’s emphasis on providing equal access to high-quality coaching, technical development, education, and character-building experiences across both metro and regional communities.

Further reinforcing the program’s player-first focus, NSW Rugby Union has announced a new partnership with wellbeing platform Confyde. The platform enables confidential wellbeing check-ins, supporting player welfare and providing coaches and support staff insight into when athletes may need additional care.

Backed by the NSW Positive Rugby Foundation and local zones across the state, the program continues to deliver a clear and inclusive pathway for the next generation of talent, community leaders, and rugby ambassadors.

Updates, fixture announcements and squad selections will be shared across NSW Rugby Union’s channels throughout the summer.

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