For the first time, Siena College Rugby has teamed up with Haka Rugby Global to offer a world class instructional youth rugby experience on the campus of Siena College in Loudonville, NY August 21-24*, 2018.  Haka Rugby Global has hosted summer rugby camps throughout Europe, Asia, South America and the UAE and brings professional ex/current rugby players and coaches to create an experience on the pitch never seen before in the northeastern USA rugby world. Haka Rugby Global introduces New Zealand Maori Rugby and Maori culture through protocols such as Karakia, Haka, Waiata, food and style of play. Their moto is “Live Like a Pro”.

All coaches are current of ex-professional rugby players who have played in the highest tournaments in the game. Coaches hold an IRB Level 3 coaching certificate which is the highest rugby coaching qualification available.

Coach Derek Jamie “DJ” Forbes, a superstar in the sport of rugby, the most respected player in the world sevens history, retired in 2017 from an 11-year career with the New Zealand All Blacks. DJ Forbes is known as a legend among the All Blacks Sevens with 89 World Series tournament appearances and played in a record 512 World Series games, scoring 153 tries. He also captained New Zealand to gold at the World Rugby Sevens World Cup. Renowned for his physicality and bustling defense, Forbes also represented New Zealand at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Coach Glenn Osborne played 19 tests for the All Blacks between 1995 and 1999. Better known as “Ozzy” or “Oz”, he’s one of New Zealand’s most humorous sporting heroes. As a fullback, he played in two Rugby World Cups 1995 and 1999 with a career total of 11 tries. In addition to coaching, Osborne is a TV personality, inspirational speaker and a police officer in Whanganui New Zealand.

Coach Troy Nathan is one of two directors for Haka Rugby Global LTD and is currently playing/coaching professional rugby in the Top 10 competitions. Nathan boasts a rugby career with New Zealand Youth, New Zealand Barbarians, Waikato Chiefs, Connacht Rugby, Glasgow Warriors, Mogliano, and Lazio Rugby. Playing 10, 12 and 13 positions, he is known as a goal kicking specialist.

Coach Regan Sue is a professional rugby player and coach for over 17 years and current director of Haka Rugby Global LTD. He is a qualified strength and conditioning trainer and has played/coached for Wales, France, Italy and the USA. Sue was also an international rugby player for Denmark and is a skilled backs coach.

In addition to the Haka Rugby Global coaching staff, the Siena College Rugby coaching staff, including men’s head coach Jaco Visser, will be on hand and part of the program. Visser started his rugby career 24 years ago in his home country of South Africa and possesses a level 200 USA Rugby coaching certification. Visser has worked with both youth, college and adult rugby clubs including Army at West Point. Campers will also get to train alongside current Siena Men’s and Women’s rugby players.

With youth rugby being the fastest growing youth sport in the USA, Siena College Rugby is excited to provide this supercharged rugby camp of the highest quality to rugby youth. Whether you are an experienced rugger or just starting out, this camp is for you. Click on the Camp Information tab for complete camp details and the camper registration page. This camp is organized and promoted by Birch Grove Youth Rugby LLC in conjunction with Siena College and Siena College Rugby.

*originally advertised start date of Aug 20th has been changed due to scheduling and NYS compliance issues.