The Leicester Tigers Rugby Academy and Development sides go from strength to strength and continues to play a central role in developing young players for the benefit of the Tigers first XV and the international game. The 2007–2008 season builds on the club’s long tradition of producing home-grown talent, with a strong focus on core rugby principles and Tigers values.
Junior Academy
The Junior Academy is the entry point to the Tigers development pathway and is open to players from 14 years of age and above.
Working closely with schools, clubs and development officers, the Tigers Academy provides a pathway for players to progress through the age-grade structure. At this stage, the focus is on identifying promising players across the region and supporting their development through technical coaching, education and appropriate competitive opportunities.
Senior Academy
The Senior Academy represents the next stage of development and focuses on players at Under-18 level. The programme combines technical coaching with strength and conditioning, education support and regular match experience against other Premiership academies. This stage aims to prepare players for the demands of elite rugby while maintaining an emphasis on discipline, work-rate and individual improvement.
A number of players from recent seasons have progressed into the senior game, reflecting the strength of the development programme.
Tigers Development XV
The Tigers Development XV is the final stepping stone towards first-team rugby and provides players with their first taste of senior competition.
Competing in the Guinness Premiership A League, the Development XV bridges the gap between academy rugby and the Tigers first team. It allows emerging players to test themselves in a senior rugby environment and plays a key role in preparing players for progression into the Tigers first XV.
Coaching & Values
The Development coaching team for 2007–2008, including Andy Key, Neil Back and Graham Rowntree, brings a wealth of experience from both the professional and international levels. Their combined input ensures that players are exposed to the standards, expectations and open, physical style of play traditionally associated with Leicester Tigers.
The Academy continues to place emphasis on discipline, work-rate and individual improvement, supporting each player through training, performance analysis and regular competitive fixtures. This season’s programme will see the squad face Premiership academy opposition as well as involvement in national development competitions.
Pathway
The Leicester Tigers Academy remains committed to developing skilled, confident and resilient players who can contribute to the future success of Leicester Tigers and English rugby as a whole.