WHAT IS THE TROPICAL RUGBY ACADEMY
The Tropical Rugby Academy is committed to providing unique and exceptional rugby experiences that blend elite-level training with opportunities to compete in international rugby tournaments.The Academy’s mission is to develop the players of tomorrow by developing their rugby skills, nurturing teamwork, and instilling the core values of rugby while empowering athletes to compete on an international stage.
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Launched for the first time with teams entering the 2025 Tropical 7s, The Tropical Rugby Academy offers a unique opportunity for individual players to train, develop, and compete at the 2026 Tropical 7s tournament in Tampa, Florida, USA over Easter week/weekend in April 2026. The Tropical Rugby Academy has ambitions to develop and grow into an international touring academy consisting of players from different countries and participate in other rugby tournaments around the world.
For the 2026 Tropical 7s, the Academy is offering individual playing opportunities at U18 Boys (Open) and U18 Girls (Open) divisions and is available to players from ALL nationalities. ​
ELIGIBILITY & HOW TO APPLY
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For the 2026 Tropical 7s, we are offering playing opportunities at U18 Boys and U18 Girls Open divisions.
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Age Cut-offs: Players must be born on or after 1st September 2007 per the tournament’s age policy. Note that the tournament allows for 2 overage player exemptions per team at this age grade if born within a 3-month window of the cut-off date (Jun-Jul-Aug). Therefore, players born on or after 1st of June 2007 will be considered for these exemption opportunities and are invited to apply.
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Any player that is already registered to a team participating in the 2026 Tropical 7s will not be considered for the Tropical Rugby Academy.
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All players must be registered and in good standing with their home rugby union and must provide proof of any required player clearance & insurance.
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Players must first complete an application form. Players will then be contacted by a member of the academy team who will request additional information to support your application. Once an offer is made to join the academy, the player must pay the academy registration fee in full before their place can be confirmed.
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The 2026 Tropical Rugby Academy is open to players from all countries. The Academy's ultimate ambition is to create a mixed group of international players with different rugby backgrounds.
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All players are expected to stay at the Academy's selected hotel (shared room included in the package price).
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Players will not be eligible to apply for the Tropical Rugby Academy if their team is already registered for the 2026 Tropical 7s tournament.
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Applications for the 2026 Tropical Academy will open shortly - please sign up to our email list and you will be notified when applications are open.
WHY JOIN THE TROPICAL RUGBY ACADEMY
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No team, no problem! Join the Tropical Rugby Academy as an individual player and guarantee your entry into the prestigious Tropical 7s tournament in Tampa, Florida over Easter 2026.
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Compete against a diverse array of teams and challenge yourself against some of the finest players in North America and beyond.
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A unique and immersive personal rugby experience, playing alongside teammates from diverse backgrounds and enhancing your understanding of the sport of rugby and the game’s global reach.
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Benefit from the guidance of experienced coaches who are committed to refining your skills, strategies, and overall game performance - unlocking your potential on the pitch.
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While sharpening your rugby skills, enjoy the attractions and experiences Central Florida has to offer. Create lasting memories and bond with like-minded players both on and off the field under the Florida sunshine.
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Our experienced managers and coaches are dedicated to providing a professional and highly organized tour experience.
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Tours to other international rugby tournaments are in the pipeline - sign up for future updates below.
PROVISIONAL ITINERARY
Tuesday 31st March
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Day: Arrivals
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Evening: Meet & Greet/team building - attend NHL Ice Hockey Match (optional)
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Wednesday 1st April
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Breakfast at hotel
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Morning: Training session #1
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Lunch
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Afternoon: Beach Training session #2 and relaxation
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Evening: Team building exercise + Dinner
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Thursday 2nd April
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Breakfast at hotel
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Morning: Training session #3
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Lunch at the fields
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Afternoon: Participate in the Tropical 7s Athlete Combine + Final Training Session
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Evening: Tournament Preparation + Dinner
Friday 3rd April
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Breakfast at hotel
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Morning & Afternoon: The Tropical 7s Tournament - Day 1
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Lunch at the fields
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Evening: Tournament Preparation + Dinner
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Saturday 4th April
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Breakfast at hotel
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Morning & Afternoon: The Tropical 7s Tournament - Day 2
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Lunch at the fields
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Evening: End of Tournament Dinner
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Sunday 5th April
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Breakfast at hotel
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Morning: Hotel Checkout, visit to local theme park (optional), departures
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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Up to 5-nights package (flexible) including accommodation, all meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner), playing kit, rugby training & coaching sessions, and tournament competition: Tuesday 31st March - Sunday 5th April 2026.
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Entry into the 2025 Tropical 7s tournament on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th April 2026.
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Pre-tournament training sessions and entry into the Tropical 7s Athlete Combine on Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd April 2026.
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Dedicated Head Coach (minimum of 1 coach to 12 players ratio) + Team Manager.
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Accommodation at the Sheraton Brandon Hotel - located less than 10 mins drive from the tournament venue and 25 mins from Tampa International Airport. Own room (i.e. if travelling with parents) on request and subject to availability.
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Ground transport including airport pickups from Tampa International Airport (on Tuesday 31st March), airport drop-offs (on Sunday 5th April), transport between the academy hotel and fields and transport for any other team building activities.
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Unique Tropical Rugby Academy kit: jersey, shorts, socks, training T-shirt and 2026 official match ball
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Breakfasts, lunches and dinners provided from Wed morning through to Sunday morning.
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Insurance for all rugby-related activities to be provided through USA Rugby. Additional personal travel/medical will need to be purchased independently.
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Dedicated academy tent area at the fields for shade (training & competition days)
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PRICE ON APPLICATION
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WHAT COSTS ARE NOT COVERED
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Own flights
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Snacks and drinks.
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Tickets to attractions e.g. theme parks, professional sports games etc.
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Personal travel/medical insurance.
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Temporary USA Rugby Membership (for non-US registered players)
CONTACT
For more information please contact at academy@tropicalrugby.com.