In a unique opportunity for both coaches, players and the program itself, the Grand Canyon University Men's Rugby team is proud to announce that it will host the prestigious IRANZ Rugby Camp on the GCU campus from June 15 to 19. It will be from 7AM until 3PM each day (lunch will be provided all five days) and is open not only for players between the age of 14 and 23 years of age (broken into two age groups), but also for coaches from high school, college and club levels.
 
It's rare for a men's rugby event to happen on the GCU campus that Lopes' Head Coach Sean O'Leary isn't in the trenches for, but while he will be there for every minute of the five-day event, he's more than ready to be the administrator for it, not the coach.
 
"I'm absolutely thrilled to be hosting the IRANZ Camp on our campus," said O'Leary. "This is not only good for the GCU Rugby program in recruiting and coaching development, but also the exposure our university will receive – both nationally and internationally - is invaluable. With the rugby world cups being held here (in the United States) in 2031 (men's) and 2033 (women's), this is a massive opportunity for rugby players in the southwest to experience what "elite rugby training" is really like."
 
Why is O'Leary so thrilled to host the camp? O'Leary has been waiting for the 25-year-old organization to expand their scope, and this is the first sign IRANZ has done so. IRANZ stands for the International Rugby Academy of New Zealand, which is internationally respected for "maximizing the potential of players, coaches, support staff and clubs - from development all the way to international level". IRANZ has grown from a local academy in New Zealand to having graduates across more than 40 different countries, training student-athletes and coaches not just about rugby, but about leadership, resilience and self-management - along with demonstrating the habits and behaviors of successful athletes. The camp in June is the company's first foray into the southwestern United States.
 
At the camp, players will be broken into age groups, with 14 through 17 years old in one grouping and those 18-23 years of age in the other. They will receive skills and position-specific training, as well as lessons in tactical awareness, strength and conditioning, recovery and nutrition along with other topics. Meanwhile, coaches who sign up will get access to all on-field coaching and training sessions, complemented by lecture room presentations and discussions, to support their overall development. They'll be taught game understanding, tactical evolution, leadership, planning and session design throughout the week, but most importantly, will be taught not only the technical aspects, but how to coach.
 
"We are extremely excited to partner with GCU for our inaugural IRANZ Camps," said IRANZ Chief Executive Officer Wayne Taylor. "This a fantastic opportunity to significantly accelerate the development of rugby and maximize the potential of all talent in the southwest. We see this as a long-term relationship, creating opportunities and development pathways to the highest level."
 
Cost of the camp is $849 per person, and prospective campers can sign up either at the IRANZ website or their Instagram page (iranz.southwestusa). Camp registration is limited, is on a first-come, first-served basis, and is expected to sell out.