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.
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 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 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 (option to select a shared or own room).
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Applications for the 2026 Tropical Academy is now open - click HERE to apply.
WHY JOIN THE TROPICAL RUGBY ACADEMY IN 2026
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Individual Player Entry at Tropical 7s
 - No team? No problem. Join North America’s premier rugby festival and be part of the action.
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Pre-Tournament Training & Team Building
 - Arrive early for structured training sessions and team-building activities to prepare for competition and bond with new teammates.
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A Fully Immersive Rugby Experience - 
Enjoy competitive match play, high-intensity training, expert coaching, team bonding, and unforgettable off-field activities—all in one place.
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Elevate Your Game with Expert Coaching
 - Sharpen your skills, improve your physicality, and enhance your decision-making with guidance from experienced, high-level coaches.
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Make Lifelong Rugby Connections
 - Meet and play alongside athletes from across the globe. Learn from different playing styles and cultures in a truly international environment.
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Setting a New Standard for Residential Rugby Camps
 - Stay at top-rated tournament hotels and experience elite-level comfort throughout your camp journey.
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Optional Off-Field Adventures - From thrilling visits to Busch Gardens theme park to catching a live pro ice hockey match, our extracurricular activities add even more excitement.
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Experience the Best of Florida
 - Our 5-day residential camp is located in the heart of Florida, just a short trip from some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
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Proven Excellence in organising Rugby Tours - 
Organized by the same team behind Tropical 7s, our academy staff bring years of expertise in delivering world-class rugby tours and camps.
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Blaze a New Trail
 - Our academy offers a unique and exciting pathway for players seeking something different. Help shape the future of rugby with us.
PROVISIONAL ITINERARY FOR THE 2026 TROPICAL 7s RUGBY ACADEMY
Tuesday 31st March
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Day: Arrivals
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Late afternoon: Meet & Greet
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Evening: 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: Training session #2
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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
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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 Celebratory Dinner
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Sunday 5th April
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Breakfast at hotel
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Morning: Hotel Checkout
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Afternoon: Visit to Busch Gardens theme park (optional)
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All day: Departures
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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5-nights package (flexible) including accommodation, all meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner), playing kit, rugby training & coaching sessions, Athlete Combine entry 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, excursions etc
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Unique Tropical Rugby Academy kit: jersey, shorts, socks, training T-shirt
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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: $1500 including (shared) hotel accommodation for 5 nights.
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.
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ACADEMY TERMS & CONDITIONS
The 2026 Academy's terms and conditions can be found HERE.