New Zealand Rugby League opens pathways for youth
A series of rugby league academies around the country may soon prepare New Zealand's burgeoning talent for professional and international careers.
The scheme, designed to keep homegrown players in New Zealand longer before trying their hands in the NRL, was floated by New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) high performance General Manager Tony Iro at the organisation's annual meeting.
About 40% of NRL first grade and U20 rosters made up of players with New Zealand heritage, so NZRL wants to improve their chances of success by better preparing them for the on-field and off-field pressures at the next level.
The academies are planned to begin in November, would run over summer months and culminate in a representative competition next March/April.
They would target 15 to18 year olds and put special emphasis on educational achievement.
Iro also proposed more representative opportunities for players, including age-group fixtures between NZ resident teams and expatriate Kiwis based in Australia.
Click here to visit the NZRL website.
15th November 2013 - NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE ACKNOWLEDGED AS SPORT’S FITTEST CODE
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