The London Wasps Academy Apprenticeship is a two year scheme for aspiring elite rugby players that combines player development and academic study.
An Apprenticeship provides every opportunity for aspiring elite rugby players 16-18 to reach their potential: a high level of rugby. It also takes account of and rigorously supports the need for continued progression towards other options: study or a different career. It is a means of meeting both sporting and academic aspirations.
The apprenticeship meets the needs of the Rugby Football Union:
Long Term Athlete Development 16-18 should be “Train to Compete” 15hrs a week. Traditional rugby schools “Train to Win” ethos is usually about the developing player preparing for the School 1st XV to win fixtures.
The apprenticeship meets the needs of London Wasps:
We would like to continue to develop our own players who will continue to further the reputation for excellence of London Wasps.
The club takes pride in the fact that the rugby element of the London Wasps apprenticeship is conducted by London Wasps professional staff at the 1st Team training facilities at the Senior Teams Training ground at Twyford Avenue, Acton.
Excerpted from ‘What is a London Wasps Apprenticeship?’ on the official site of the London Wasps, a professional rugby team from London that won the Heineken Cup in 2007.