The 2008 Rugby Union Program is an Associate Scholarship Sports Education (ASSEP) program, with the South West Sydney Academy of Sport acting as a contracted agent to provide a high-quality sports education package to the NSW Rugby Development Squad programs in Campbelltown, Parramatta, Nepean and Hills rugby union districts.
Athletes are selected into one of four regional centres through NSW Rugby talent identification procedures. Members of this program then undertake a consice education program featuring lectures and workshops in: Sports Psychology, Strapping and Injury Prevention, Sports Nutrition, Drugs in Sport Awareness, Media Skills Training, Motivation, Mind Enhancement, Visualisation, Confidence and Goal Setting.
The Cumberland Newspaper Group, Enhance Mind Performance, NuActive Health and the Australian Olympic Committee have been very active in their support of the ASSEP.
Although the NSW Rugby Development Squad program operates October to April, the athletes contact with SWSAS is for a 3-month period during February - April, where fortnightly education sessions are conducted.
For more information on the NSW Rugby Development Squad program, contact NSW Rugby at www.nswrugby.com.au
Information correct as at: July 3, 2008