Testimonials

Brian Johnson - coach Mold RFC Wales 

June 2010

 The coaching course offered by the academy provided me with an insight as to how rugby should be played and has equipped me with the tools to take the teams that I work with to new heights – from youngsters just starting their playing careers and needing to understand the basics to the seasoned campaigners in the Senior’s needing to be reminded of how simple the game should be played and why good techniques is so important. I learned so much in such a short time thanks to the excellent teaching styles of Jim and Darrel. Consequently, I would personally recommend a course at the academy both for coaches that have limited coaching experience as well for those with more extensive knowledge.

  Ted Chapman –  Florida USA

June 2010

My experience at the New Zealand Sports Academy, while brief, is one that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.  I learned a great deal about not only rugby but about the New Zealand and Maori cultures and will carry that with me wherever life and rugby take me.  The passion for the sport of rugby found in the coaching staff and all of the players at NZSA is infectious and has made me a better player and has and will continue to keep me committed to this amazing sport, both on and off the field.  Being a part of the New Zealand Sports Academy was one of the best experiences I’ve had.

I hope to, and have no doubt that I will, see players that I played with at the academy playing at the top level of rugby in the years to come.  You have an amazing program in an amazing area and I hope to one day make it back down to New Zealand.  Best wishes to you all!

Michelle Knight –  Jake’s Mum, Australia

May 2010

Hi Jeanna & Jim,

I just thought I’d drop you a line to express my gratitude in regards to Jake’s stay. We knew before he left that he had so much to learn, not only about rugby, but more importantly, about himself. He has definitely grown in that department. Just hearing him talk about his experiences, interactions and relationships that he built shows us that he got more out of this than we could ever have hoped for. He even showed us the Hakas that he learnt over there with confidence and pride. He has entertained us with funny stories & jokes and impressed his father with his knowledge of the game etc. He went to training with his father last night (Gary coaches our local Under 15’s side) and Jake took the team for a fitness and mental toughness session. Everyone was so impressed, even the team, although they were absolutely busted at the end of training.

Jim, you’ve made such an indelible impression on our son. Your influence, guidance and understanding of him has made a huge impact on his life. He speaks of you so highly and I know that he will continue to draw on the relationship that he developed with you for the rest of his life. I can never thank you enough for what you have done for him. I know that his rugby will benefit from your coaching and influence enormously, but his life and as a man, the confidence he needs to move forward in every aspect of his life is so much better because of your influence. THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart. I hope one day to be able to tell you that in person.

Please pass on our best regards and appreciation to everyone, particularly Darrel and Martin, again, Jake’s admiration and fondness is obvious with his stories. Also, the boys at Kahukura rugby club, much appreciated.

He is setting goals already, and high on his list is to return to the Academy next year. He has our full support. THANK YOU AGAIN, this has been the most wonderful, beneficial, life changing experience for him, one that he will never forget.

My sincerest best wishes to you all.

Andre Beukes

Head of rugby Brentwood Prep, Coach Basildon RFC, March 2010

Dear Jeanna,

I would just like to say how much I’ve enjoyed my visit to New Zealand and the NZ Sports Academy this Easter. Jim really engaged with me and taught me that the skill was more important than the drill! Famous words from a very famous man. He made it fun, interesting and realistic, so that I could break down the skill and understand it fully.

Seeing examples of what the players do everyday and be able to work with world-reknowned players were second to none.

Thank you, also to all your members of staff for having great patience when dealing with a very excited South African coach wanting to learn. Everyone made me feel very welcome and nothing was too much trouble.

I am looking forward to seeing you all again next year.

Duncan Jansen (20) Netherlands

March 2010 

I spent three months at the NZSA and it was the best experience ever. If any rugby player wants to improve their skills, technique and fitness level this is the place to be.  Living rugby is what it is all about, in a professional environment
with support and guidance from the best coaches and performance trainers. The NZSA is based in Rotorua in the heart of the Bay of Plenty. There is a challenging rugby competition for every level. Being with the boys at the academy, I had a great time,
training everyday and at night training with our clubs. In the weekend we came across each other in club rugby which made it even more exciting. The academy has their own teams too, training at the academy every day with the same guys made our team really strong and during my time at the academy, we hadn’t lost a game. 
 
Matt Cotton

June 2009

Men’s Rugby Head Coach, Marc and Eva Stern Math and Science School

“Last year I set up the school’s first rugby team. The kids at the school hadn’t played rugby before so I thought it was important to get the fundamentals right.  I have had a passion in all my teaching life to find the best information so when I face the kids, they get the best deal.

Having heard good things about the Jim Love’s coaching academy, I enrolled. I found the week innovative and vital. It was an approach I had not seen before, but made so much sense that it has been very easy to translate it into my own coaching.

Jim breaks down every skill into its component parts. He puts it all into the context of the game, so you see exactly why you are doing what you are doing. In school, the kids want to know the reasons for everything, especially since rugby is not naturally their first sport. They have no idea about the nature of the game so my every explanation needs to be well thought through. There is no room for half truths or misinterpretation. Hence the fundamental, bottom up approach is so successful.

I have been used to learning by watching and then replicating. Jim’s approach is more powerful. You are “doing” the skills and learning the reasons for doing them. Therefore you are learning the skills in more depth.

On the course, once we had learned the skills, they were put into game scenarios. It showed how they could be useful in a game context and how they could be practised.

When I came back to school, I basically ripped up the original training plan and started again. I told the kids my approach and how the changes would make them much better players and they bought into it. We have made enormous strides and I am looking forward to being extremely competitive next season.

Looking back on the week, I felt Jim’s approach and feel for the people in the game was unique. He kept saying it was a simple game that too often complicated. He said that rugby was about balance and relaxation. When we need to use our energy, then we should use it.”

Josh Fox-Clark (18)

Scotland

“Flying out to NZ, I really didn’t know what to expect. However, in my short stay at the NZSA it has already passed my expectations and more. The NZSA runs a very slick and professional programme that aims to bring out the best in all its students as rugby players and as people and teach them valuable life skills for later life. All the lads at the academy were all very welcoming and tried their best to help you fit in and do all they can to help you.

At the NZSA we do weights and core every morning. After a short breakfast stop the domestic boys usually go to class with Shaun the tutor and we, the international boys, go with Darrel to practice skills that we feel we need to work on to improve our game.

After another short stop for lunch, the students usually go out to the fields for fitness, skills or sometimes both for a couple hours in the afternoon.

The Academy also provides a wide range of activities for its International students. These range from trips to the beach to quad biking around the hills at Taupo.

The home stays selected by the Academy all do their best to help the Internationals feel “at home”, and create a friendly comfortable environment.

As part of the course you we do Mau Rakau every Thursday afternoon to learn about Maori traditions and culture. This is very interesting and something we all look forward to.

Overall, even though my stay has been relatively short I feel that I have gained a huge amount, something that works me so hard but yet also gives me a lot of enjoyment and fun can only be truly positive!”

Angus Nixon (20)

Ireland

“Since mid February I have attended the NZ Sports Academy, in the 3 months so far I have gained a huge amount.

When I first flew into New Zealand I travelled straight to Rotorua where the Academy is based. Being in a different country, never mind another hemisphere is always a bit daunting and I didn’t know what to expect but from the very first morning I received a warm welcome. The staff were helpful and inviting and all the domestic students came up and introduced themselves by their own accord and showed me the ropes around the stadium.

From the first week until present the training has been hard but cleverly structured. We do get run into the ground on occasion but no one minds because everyone wants to improve. More relaxed skill and technique sessions allow for us to learn from the coaches and pick their brains on past   experiences on the pitch. What better way to learn then from people who have been where you strive to go.

As well as in the gym and on the practice fields the Academy experience offers more than physical and mental, rugby related progression the fellow students and I participate in Maori culture days and fun     activities throughout the Bay of Plenty. These help to enrich the week because intense rugby training   eventually leading to mental fatigue and physical overkill and the downtime allows us to relax and bond.

In conclusion, the Academy has provided a wealth of positive experiences, all involved have shown true hospitality, generosity and I can definitely say my rugby and character has seen great changes and I’m very glad I made the choice to come here.”