For the Best Youth Players Nationwide
Playing the 2026/27 season at under 12s
ENGLAND’S ELITE YOUTH RUGBY ACADEMY
Welcome to England’s first fully funded Under-12s rugby academy. We fast-track the nation’s most promising young talent toward elite scholarships and professional pathways.
SHAPING THE FUTURE
OUR ACADEMY PLAYERS
The Elite Youth Rugby (EYR) Academy identifies exceptional Under-12 talent and develops them in the UK’s prestigious National Sports Centre. We offer an elite global platform, competing in premier youth rugby matches and tournaments across the globe. We are building the definitive international pathway for England’s next generation of rugby stars.
OUR MISSION
A LAUNCHPAD FOR FUTURE STARS
The EYR Academy develops exceptional rugby players — both on and off the field. Our coaching programme combines the expertise of former England internationals, leading age-group coaches, mentors, and sports scientists, backed by cutting-edge performance technology.
We don’t just train players; we build definitive pathways to prestigious sports scholarships, premier academy placements, and future professional rugby careers.
OUR HOME
BISHAM ABBEY NATIONAL SPORTS CENTRE
Recognised by UK Sport as an Elite Training Centre, Bisham Abbey plays a key role in developing world-class athletes and supporting Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic programmes.
We train in the same environment used by elite teams such as the England Football and Rugby squads, the Great Britain Hockey team, and international visitors including Barcelona FC. Our players are immersed in a professional training setting, surrounded by some of the country’s most talented athletes and high-performance staff.
TRAIN WITH THE BEST
Standard youth rugby training focuses on the masses, often leaving the top 10% of players under-challenged. Our Academy identifies these high-potential athletes and places them in a high-performance environment designed for rapid development.
When the best train and play with the best, their growth accelerates — benefiting the player, their team mates, their home club, and the grassroots game.
Our unmatched coaching team have walked the path to professional sport. They are supported by our business and development teams, safety officers, sports scientists, medical experts, and nutritionists, providing our players with resources that eclipse standard junior setups. All provided at the best training facilities in the country.
2026/27 SEASON (UNDER 12s)
The EYR Academy shatters the status quo! In a monumental milestone for our program, we are thrilled to announce that EYR has become the first-ever academy admitted into the prestigious National Schools Allcomers League. Competing against over 200 of the country’s most elite, powerhouse rugby schools, our objective is absolute: we are playing to conquer the league and bring home the championship trophy.
Campaign Schedule: League matches take place on Saturdays, featuring two high-stakes fixtures and two elite training sessions every month. *Player Note: Standard school or club commitments must take priority over EYR fixtures.
RESULTS & LEAGUE TABLE
Click below for our results and national schools league ranking for our 3 playing teams.
FIXTURES
NEXT FIXTURE IN:
A huge Northern rugby challenge awaits. EYR Academy takes on Woodhouse Grove and Pocklington School — two established rugby programmes with strong traditions of player development and competitive schoolboy rugby.
Three strong programmes. Multiple teams. One big test. Time to see where EYR stands.
BISHAM ABBEY | 5pm-7pm
With a heritage dating back to 1758, RAAS is one of the UK’s few state boarding schools. Their rugby program is built on the school’s ethos of character and “Old Gattonian” grit, often producing well-drilled, physically resilient sides.
The bar is set. This weekend, we play one of the most dominant forces in schoolboy rugby: Ipswich School. Currently ranked #4 in the country and the reigning National U16 Champions, Ipswich represents the pinnacle of the modern game. This isn’t just a fixture; it’s a collision with the best.
Ranked as the third-best school in the North, The Grammar School at Leeds brings a formidable rugby pedigree to the calendar. Closely tied to the legacy of Leeds icons like Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow, and famed for producing elite homegrown talents like Oli Spencer, GSAL plays a sharp, high-tempo game that will thoroughly test the Academy’s defensive resilience and tactical execution.
BISHAM ABBEY | 5pm-7pm
BISHAM ABBEY | 5pm-7pm
A massive test awaits as we head north of the border. We face ESMS Edinburgh, who ended last season as the #3 ranked U12 team nationally. With a reputation for producing international talent and a clinical style of play, ESMS represents a premier challenge for our squad.
A clash steeped in rugby royalty. This weekend, we face Lord Wandsworth College—the historic proving ground famously known for producing England legend and World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson. Renowned for its rich heritage of nurturing world-class talent, LWC represents the gold standard of traditional rugby excellence. This isn’t just a match; it’s a test against true rugby pedigree.
A clash with Oundle School is always a highlight of the calendar, but this year the stakes feel even higher. Renowned for their physical dominance and tactical discipline, Oundle arrives as one of the most respected programs on the circuit.
BISHAM ABBEY | 5pm-7pm
BISHAM ABBEY | 5pm-7pm
A monumental clash against a true giant of the schoolboy game. Felsted School arrives as a certified rugby powerhouse, boasting an elite pedigree as an official Saracens partner school and the reigning champions of the prestigious Continental Tyres National Schools Rugby tournament. Renowned for producing modern international stars and executing a clinical, high-intensity brand of rugby, this fixture represents the ultimate benchmark of championship excellence.
BISHAM ABBEY | 5pm-7pm
BISHAM ABBEY | 5pm-7pm
BISHAM ABBEY | 5pm-7pm
A thrilling encounter awaits as we welcome one of London’s premier sporting institutions. Latymer Upper School brings a rich heritage of rugby tradition, renowned for producing elite athletes who compete at the highest level—including recent international and national U18 squad selections. Known for their fast, dynamic style of play and a fierce competitive spirit nurtured on the banks of the Thames, this fixture promises to be a true test of skill, strategy, and resilience.
BISHAM ABBEY | 5pm-7pm
International tournament pathway for the next generation of stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group is this program for?
U12. This intake is specifically designed for players entering the Under-12s category for the 2026/27 season.
While we welcome exceptional talents playing up an age group where appropriate, we strictly do not permit older players to play down in a lower age category.
Following the successful completion of this pilot phase, we plan to expand the program to encompass additional age groups.
Does your Academy charge a fee?
NO. If your child secures a place in the Academy, participation is fully funded. This covers access to all elite training facilities, equipment, professional coaching, and support staff.
Selected players are only responsible for purchasing their personal Academy kit, which costs approximately £60.
For international matches and overseas tournaments, costs are significantly subsidised by our corporate sponsors.
When are the next trials?
THE TRIALS ARE NOW COMPLETE. We would like to thank the 400+ players who trialled with us from across the country.
The final squad of 65, representing 41 different clubs from across Britain, has now been selected.
When do you train?
TWICE A MONTH: We train twice a month, with each session lasting two hours and focused on high-intensity, advanced rugby development.
Rather than focusing on basic skills, our sessions are designed around advanced rugby concepts, decision-making and game understanding — developing intelligent, adaptable “thinking players” who can read the game and make better decisions under pressure.
We also hold high-performance training camps ahead of major fixtures and international tournaments, alongside dedicated team-building events.
Who are the coaches?
Our coaching staff features seven age-group Head Coaches from top-tier clubs across four counties, all holding senior RFU qualifications. The team includes former England internationals, Olympians, and Sports Scientists.
Who is your Academy Manager?
Tony Baxter leads the Academy, having lived the exact pathway we offer our players — from grassroots rugby through to a professional playing contract and running out at Twickenham.
Raised partly in America, Tony experienced the US collegiate sports scholarship system firsthand, an influence that shapes the Academy’s own approach to elite pathways. Representative sport runs deep in the family: Tony, his mother, and his sister have all represented England.
He holds England (RFU) coaching qualifications alongside a Barcelona football coaching badge, and was formerly Head Coach at Henley Hawks before joining EYR to build and lead the Academy.
Beyond EYR, Tony consults for and represents over 100 professional athletes and clubs — from Premiership football clubs such as Manchester City to elite boxers including Amir Khan — advising on performance, training, and business development.
Do you train in the holidays?
YES. We run a 50-week year-round development programme. During school holidays, we host specialized camps and development clinics. These are non-compulsory to respect family commitments.
When do you play matches?
Matches are scheduled on Saturdays. We currently field three competitive squads (A, B, and C) alongside a dedicated Development squad to ensure high-quality game time for all.
Who do you play against?
Our fixtures consist of the leading institutions in the Independent Schools leagues, high-profile international tournaments, and exhibition matches against elite regional select sides.
In the 2026.2027 season we will be playing on the National SOCS All Comers League for Boys U12. We are the first ever Academy on this league playing the biggest across the country, a huge achievement for the Academy.
How does your rugby program differ from club rugby?
We specialize in elite schoolboy rugby, the primary pathway for professional talent; in fact, 80% of England’s international players emerge from this system. You will compete against the highest-caliber schools and the most promising young talent in the country.
Our matches are 50 minutes of high-intensity, fiercely competitive rugby, defined by disciplined organization and a fast-paced style of play.
Beyond the physical game, we develop “thinking players.” You will master advanced tactical theories, our professional-grade playbook, and sophisticated game strategies.
The focus is on system-based play—learning to trust the structures and the players around you. We emphasize elite decision-making, ball retention, and the execution of cohesive “phase rugby.”
Why do you not play against RFU clubs?
To ensure consistent progression, we exclusively select opponents that match the Academy’s elite physical and technical standards. Standard club sides often do not provide the level of competition required to push our players.
Is this for boys and girls?
Our programme is inclusive for both boys and girls up to U12. From U12 onwards, girls transition to girls-only competitive rugby. They are welcome to continue elite skills training in our mixed sessions, but cannot play in the boys’ match-day squads.
Do I need to leave my current club or school team?
NO. Our programme complements your local club. We encourage players to represent their home clubs and elevate their teammates. We avoid Sunday sessions to prevent fixture clashes.
If you are selcted for school matches on a Saturday then these should take prioirty over the Academy matches.
Who is behind Elite Youth Rugby?
The Academy is operated by The Sincura Group. With a history of supporting over 130 professional teams across the Premiership, NBA, and NFL, Sincura has pledged £250,000 to nurture the next generation of English rugby talent.
Are you insured?
YES. Elite Youth Rugby holds comprehensive insurance through Howdens. Full policy documentation is available upon request.
Are you part of the RFU?
NO. We are an independent elite academy. However, all our coaches are RFU-trained, and we strictly enforce the game’s core values (TREDS): Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship.
The RFU says you shouldn’t “stream” players. What is your position?
While the RFU focuses on mass inclusivity at the primary level, sports science proves that high-potential athletes develop best alongside peers of similar ability. Our programme is tailored exclusively for “Category A” (Top 10%) players, providing a high-tempo environment that mixed-ability setups cannot match.
I would like to get my school involved?
Partnering with the Academy enhances your school’s sporting profile. Partner schools receive website features, digital promotion packs, and exclusive event invitations. Contact us for a School Partnership pack.
I would like to coach?
JOIN US: We seek the nation’s top coaching talent. Applicants must have senior playing experience, hold a current age-group coaching role, and be RFU qualified (ERCA). REWARDS: Coaches receive professional kit, and their children secure an automatic Academy place (tournament selection remains merit-based).
How can I contact you?
Registered members receive access to a private WhatsApp group and a direct line to their dedicated mentor.
