Studying sports science? Join us to learn about rugby coaching

We regularly take sports science interns from universities around the world who experience, first-hand, the world of rugby coaching.

• Places available in both Rotorua and Wellington (limited)
• NZSA prefers students who are interested in rugby or have rugby experience
• Must be hands-on with students' strength and conditioning programmes
• It is an unpaid position
• Preferred internship length of seven to eight months (negotiable)

If you are interested in applying for an internship at the New Zealand Sports Academy, please get in touch with us. We accept students from around the world for placement.

If you require more information or would like to register please fill out the form below:

TESTIMONIAL

"In 1999 I left school with no formal qualifications. I had made a few provincial age-group rugby teams so I applied for the New Zealand Sports Academy. I was accepted into the second intake. Over the two years I was at NZSA, we received world-class coaching from international coaches and current and past All Blacks, including Jim, who was the New Zealand Māori assistant coach and head coach of the Tongan World Cup team at the time. We were lucky enough to receive additional coaching from Matt Te Pou (Māori All Blacks head coach), Wayne Smith (All Blacks assistant coach and former All Black), Hika Reid (Bay of Plenty assistant coach and former All Black), Tony Brown (Highlanders and All Blacks), Rico Gear (Crusaders, All Blacks and New Zealand 7s), Greg Feek (Crusaders, All Blacks and current Irish scrum coach) and Norm Hewitt (Hurricanes captain, NZ Māori captain and All Black) who took us for weekly scrum practice.

The NZSA definitely enhanced my rugby skills and knowledge, but the biggest impact it had on me was on my education. After returning from a semi-professional rugby opportunity in England (that Jim helped organise), I decided to further my education. I applied to complete a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary) at the University of Canterbury and Christchurch College of Education and was accepted as a result of my time at the NZSA. I completed my degree and secured a teaching position in Rotorua. I taught in Rotorua for nine years and was team leader for the last two years. During my time in Rotorua, I set up a primary school sports academy which was one of the first in New Zealand and received national recognition because it was such an innovative programme. This academy was based on the NZSA model and Jim and Darrel were regular guest speakers.

Since completing my degree I have continued with my study, completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Māori Education from Massey University and the National Aspiring Principals Programme (NAPP). In 2015 I shifted to Opotiki to take up a Deputy Principal position. This year I am working on my last paper to complete my Masters in Māori Education.

The New Zealand Sports Academy, and Jim in particular, taught me to be mentally tough and not look for any excuses. I honestly believe if it wasn’t for the New Zealand Sports Academy I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

GLENN PHILIPS