Rugby Union

  The 2025/26 program is currently in progress.
Please CLICK HERE  to be notified when applications open for the 2026/27 program.

          The Central Coast Academy of Sport (CCAS) program offers a holistic pathway for aspiring athletes, providing development opportunities across technical skill, education, strength and conditioning, personal growth, and nutrition. By combining these key elements, the program will provide athletes with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to excel in their chosen sport and prepares them for the next stage of higher representation.

CCAS Rugby Athletes will receive the following benefits:

  • 3 Month Mingara gym, track and pool membership

  • Access to a network of specialised coaches and guest coaches

  • Access to purchase CCAS merchandise pack

  • Athlete education covering key topics including, Drugs in Sport, Leadership, Load Management, Media Training, Motivation, Nutrition, Social Media, Sports Psychology

  • Rugby skills development

  • Functional movement screening

  • Face to face strength and conditioning sessions during the duration of the program (Oct-April)

  • Personal development

  • Playing opportunities to represent CCAS at targeted 7’s events

  • Fortnightly face to face on field training sessions at Central Coast Grammar

To be eligible for the Academy Rugby Program, athletes must be turning 15, 16, 17, or 18 (U16– U18, born 2009-2012) in 2027, registered with their local rugby club, and residing or schooling within the Central Coast Region.

Selections for the CCAS Rugby Program will be via a squad trial

Trial dates TBC

2025/26 Program Coaching Staff:

HEAD COACH
7’s Specialist Coach – Mark Tipple

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 & 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.

Michael Burgess

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.

 

Explore a variety of scholarship opportunities available through the Central Coast Academy of Sport to support athlete development and growth:

Our Rugby Union Partners

Our Platinum Partners