The Central Coast Academy of Sport (CCAS) has bolstered its Rugby Union program with the appointment of three highly experienced coaches ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Michael Burgess, Adam Beavis and Mark Tipple will lead the Academy’s efforts to develop the next generation of rugby talent across the region, bringing with them decades of experience both on and off the field.
Michael Burgess joins the Academy with an impressive coaching résumé that spans local, state and national levels. A Level 3 accredited coach and Rugby Australia Educator, Burgess currently serves as Assistant Coach for the NSW Waratahs Under 14s.
His previous roles include Head Coach of both the NSW Country Women’s and Central Coast Women’s teams, as well as First Grade coaching stints at Avoca Beach and Bathurst Rugby Clubs.
Burgess is widely respected for his technical knowledge, leadership, and commitment to athlete development, making him a valuable addition to the Academy’s coaching ranks.
Adam Beavis, a familiar face in Central Coast rugby circles, returns to the Academy after previously coaching junior squads between 2007 and 2011. His playing career includes First Grade appearances for Terrigal, Gosford and South Darwin, where he won premierships with both Terrigal and Darwin.
Beavis also represented the Central Coast and NSW Country at senior level, and played in the Shute Shield with the Central Coast Waves in 2006.
His coaching credentials include leading the NSW Country Under 16s in 2013, Head Coach roles at Gosford Rugby Club, and most recently, serving as Forwards Coach for the Senior Central Coast team that claimed victory at the NSW Country Championships in 2025.
Beavis is known for his player-first approach and deep understanding of the game, particularly in developing forward pack strength and cohesion.
Mark Tipple is a passionate and accomplished Rugby Union and Touch Football coach. He has been instrumental in developing some of the strongest sports programs on the Central Coast in both Rugby Sevens and Touch Football. Mark continues to contribute at the representative level, both playing and coaching rugby and touch for the Central Coast, and is a Touch World Cup winner representing Australia and NSW.
A previous employee of the Central Coast Academy of Sport, Mark is a PDHPE teacher and is working towards his long-term goal of becoming a professional Rugby coach, with the aspiration of one day coaching Rugby Sevens at the Olympic Games.
Mark’s coaching philosophy is centred on ‘making the hard work fun’ and building healthy, loving community with your team to create lifelong memories and foster sustainable success.
With Michael, Adam and Mark at the helm, the Central Coast Academy of Sport is poised to deliver a high-performance environment for aspiring rugby players in 2025.
Nominations for the 2025 Rugby Union Program are now open. Young athletes across the Central Coast are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this unique opportunity to train under two of the region’s most accomplished coaches.
Visit the CCAS website here to nominate now and learn more about the program.
