2026 TROPICAL RUGBY ACADEMY - NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!

Tampa, FL – 23 October 2025 – The TROPICAL RUGBY ACADEMY invites individual players from ALL NATIONALITIES at U18 BOYS & U18 GIRLS age grades (born on or after 01-JUN-07) to apply for our academy teams at the 2026 TROPICAL 7s.

The TROPICAL RUGBY ACADEMY provides 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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After a successful debut in 2025, The TROPICAL RUGBY ACADEMY returns in 2026 to offer an even more unique and immersive rugby experience for individual players to train, develop, and compete at the 2026 Tropical 7s tournament in Tampa, Florida, USA over Easter week/weekend in 2026 (31st March - 5th April 2026).

Read on for further details about this exciting opportunity including how to apply.

Why Join?

• Individual Player Entry at Tropical 7s - No team? No problem. Join North America’s premier rugby festival and be part of the action.

• Pre-Tournament Training & Team Building - Arrive early for structured training sessions and team-building activities to prepare for competition and bond with new teammates.

• A Unique Immersive Rugby Experience - Enjoy competitive match play, high-intensity training, expert coaching, team bonding, and unforgettable off-field activities—all in one place.

• Elevate Your Game with Expert Coaching - Sharpen your skills, improve your physicality, and enhance your rugby IQ with guidance from experienced, high-level coaches.

• 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.

• Setting a New Standard for Residential Rugby Camps - Stay at our top-rated tournament hotels and experience elite-level comfort throughout your camp journey.

• Off-Field Activities - From thrilling visits to Busch Gardens theme park to catching a live pro ice hockey match, our off-field activities are a great way to get know your teammates and coaches.

• 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 and world-renowned theme parks.

• Proven Excellence in delivering amazing rugby experiences - Organized by the same team behind Tropical 7s, our academy staff bring years of expertise in delivering world-class rugby tours and camps.

• 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.

How to Apply

The TROPICAL RUGBY ACADEMY is now accepting applications for U18 Boys & Girls players born on or after June 1, 2007. Players must be registered with their home rugby union and be able to obtain any necessary player clearances to play at the Tropical 7s. The 2026 program offers a full itinerary, including five nights of accommodation, training sessions, all meals, tournament participation and much more. The Academy aims to create a mix of players from different nationalities and backgrounds and harnessing the value of a unique collaborative rugby experience.

Provisional Itinerary :

🛬 Tuesday, March 31st 2026 – Welcome to Paradise!

Kick off your TROPICAL RUGBY ACADEMY journey with arrivals, a warm meet & greet with teammates and coaches, and an unforgettable night out at a professional ice hockey game — a high-energy start to an epic week!

🔥 Wednesday, April 1st & Thursday, April 2nd 2026 – Train Like a Pro

Get tournament-ready with intensive training sessions, performance testing at the Athlete Combine, and dynamic team-building activities. Sharpen your skills, connect with your squad, and focus in on the competition ahead.

🏆 Friday, April 3rd & Saturday, April 4th 2026 – Game Time!

Take the field and represent the Tropical Rugby Academy at the Tropical 7s Tournament — two action-packed days of competition, energy, and unforgettable moments.

🎢 Sunday, April 5th 2026 – Celebrate & Send-Off

Wrap up the week with a full day of fun at Busch Gardens Theme Park before saying your goodbyes and heading home — memories made, friends for life, and an experience you’ll never forget.

For more information about the TROPICAL RUGBY ACADEMY, including how to apply for a an academy place at the 2026 Tropical 7s Tournament, please visit www.tropical7s.com/academy or contact academy@tropicalrugby.com.

Package & Pricing:

• 5-night package 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.

• Entry into the 2026 Tropical 7s tournament held over Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th April 2026.

• Pre-tournament training sessions and entry into the Tropical 7s Athlete Combine on Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd April 2026.

• Dedicated Head Coach (minimum of 1 coach to 12 players ratio) + Team Manager.

• Accommodation at the Sheraton Brandon Hotel - our premium tournament hotel located less than 10 mins drive from the fields and 25 mins from Tampa International Airport. Own room (e.g. if travelling with parents) on request and subject to availability.

• Ground transport including airport pickups and drop-offs from Tampa International Airport on arrival/departure days, transport between the academy hotel and fields plus transport for any other team-building activities.

• Bespoke Tropical Rugby Academy kit: jersey, shorts, socks, training T-shirt

• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners provided from Wednesday morning through to Sunday morning.

• Insurance for all rugby-related activities can be arranged through USA Rugby (small additional cost). Additional personal travel/medical insurance will need to be purchased independently.

• Dedicated tent area reserved for academy teams at the fields for shade from the Florida sun on both training & competition days.

• PRICE: $1500 inclusive of (shared) hotel accommodation for 5 nights.

“The Tropical Rugby Academy is more than just about playing rugby – it’s about immersing yourself in a global rugby community and creating lifelong memories, both on and off the field.” said John Siner, Executive Director of Tropical Rugby. “We’re excited to bring together young players from different cultures and backgrounds, helping them grow both as athletes and as people. This will be an experience that not only elevates their game but builds friendships that we hope will last a lifetime.”

About the Tropical Rugby Academy:

The Tropical Rugby Academy was founded to offer players a unique opportunity to develop their rugby skills while engaging in a multicultural, international rugby experience. With a focus on expert coaching, personal development, and high-level competition, the Tropical Rugby Academy provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a new global rugby community. The inaugural experience at the 2025 Tropical 7s Tournament in Tampa, Florida, marked the start of an exciting journey for the academy which returns for the 2026 Tropical 7s

For further information please contact: academy@tropicalrugby.com