About the New Zealand Sports Academy

The New Zealand Sports Academy is world-renowned for its excellent rugby training programmes.

New Zealand is well known around the world for its striking landscape, diverse environment and unique Maori culture but it is also renowned for its place in international rugby through its two teams, the All Blacks and the Maori All Blacks.

Maori people have always possessed a raw ability and natural exuberance for rugby – having produced some of the greatest rugby players, who became famous for their individual brilliance and flair.

These factors mean that there is no better place to play, learn and enjoy rugby than in New Zealand!

Where is the NZSA based?

Founded in 1999, Head Office is based at a world class rugby coaching facility at Neil Hunt Park,Rotorua in the central north island in New Zealand’s tourism capital, in 2010 opened a new academy in Whangarei and in 2011 added a new academy in North Harbour and Wellington.

The New Zealand Domestic Programme

Each year the NZSA identifies and recruits young rugby and rugby league players (17-25yrs) from all over New Zealand who join the academy for 38 weeks, where they attend career-based courses and complete the NZSA Rugby/Rugby League Development Programme.

Our students also play in teams in the local rugby, rugby league competitions, participate in our international training camps and host, train and play with our international rugby players throughout the year.

The International Programme

NZSA provides professional rugby, rugby league tuition for overseas players and coaches (for both individuals and teams) who participate in tailored programmes that champion the principles of success and promote the flamboyance of Maori flair, through intensive rugby regimes conducted by world class coaches & trainers.