Western Province International Rugby Institute

The UXi WPIRI might well be the steppingstone you have been searching for if you are enthusiastic about rugby career and picture yourself competing for your country, in a Rugby Union in the Currie Cup U20/U21, or rugby club-A league stages. Talent development, training, and player welfare are crucial pillars in the rugby development program, and this academy is in the forefront of fostering the future stars- a platform that truly is a step up to scout for promising talent.

This was indeed the case for talent such as Kurt-Lee Arendse and Grant Williams, both former academy students who did not get an opportunity from school to the SA Under-20 or the SA rugby academy squads. These players joined Rugby Academies in the Western Cape, who gave them the fundamental rugby-athletic skills, life skills and education support to become some of the best emerging top junior players to receive opportunities later, at the Bulls and Sharks and today as capped Springboks for SA rugby participating in the 2023 World Rugby Championship.

High Performance Education:
The UXi WPIRI aims to develop more than just elite rugby athletes from the best junior players. It is about holistic development, which uses sport and rugby to develop future fit employees, business, and community leaders. The institute makes sure that its students receive a well-rounded education, towards future employability, with high performance sport development, because it understands that rugby skills and talent alone will not help a player succeed in life.

Finding the Diamonds:
The UXi WPIRI excels at identifying promising talent at an early age. Potential stars are discovered and developed under the observant eye of world-class speciality coaches, giving them the chance to advance into the spotlight. The fact that so many of these young athletes went on to play for the Western Province U19 and U20 Currie Cup as well as other Unions, international teams and even the Blitz Boks, such as Ricardo Duarttee, demonstrates the academy’s dedication to producing rugby players of the highest calibre.

Performance Training and Player Welfare:
At the UXi WPIRI, performance training and player welfare are of utmost importance. The Institute makes sure that its athletes are not only physically fit but also mentally and emotionally ready for the demands of professional rugby under the direction of Junior Springbok Head Coach Bafana Nhleko. Former academy graduate and current Springbok Suleiman Hartzenberg, attributes the academy with helping him develop his fundamental rugby abilities and get ready for international competition.

The UXi WPIRI is your steppingstone to this esteemed competition. The Currie Cup is the pinnacle of South African domestic rugby. Graduates from the academy have consistently made a name for themselves in the Currie Cup, representing different provinces and making a significant contribution to the success of their teams.

A Gateway to International Rugby:
The UXi WPIRI offers pathways into junior international rugby for those who aspire to play for their country. Graduates frequently end up playing for various international teams such as Namibia, Zimbabwe as well as in Canada, the USA and Germany. The institute’s success in turning out athletes who can compete at the highest level is evidence of its dedication to South African rugby.

The UXi WPIRI is not just a training ground for rugby players; it is a place where dreams are nurtured and realized. With a focus on education, performance training, and player welfare, it is a haven for young talent looking to make their mark in the world of rugby. Whether you aspire to don the Springbok jersey, represent your province in the Currie Cup, or simply become a better rugby player and future employable individual, the UXi WPIRI is where your journey begins. So, lace up your boots and get ready to embark on an exciting and fulfilling rugby adventure!