Over 15 glorious days in August, we welcomed 11 schools and clubs to the Chateau du Molay in Normandy, France to take part in the inaugural Brian Ashton Rugby Academy.
The teams attending were eager to learn from one of the best coaches in the world, improve their skills and build up some pre-season fitness ahead of the school and club season. Each team had four full days training on the newly built rugby pitch at the Chateau as well as in neighbouring towns of Bayeux and Caen. Brian conducted sessions in the classroom and on the pitch and was always available to offer tips to players and coaches alike with Adam Lowles from St Columbas College remarking “all the work with Brian Ashton was 1st class, and having as much time with him as possible was great”.
All the teams enjoyed trips out to the local beaches - sites of the D-Day landings, as well as to the Bayeux Tapestry and go-karting, bowling and shopping centres. At the Chateau, the players relaxed in the pool (which doubled up as an ice-bath), played video games, table-tennis and took part in team-building activities.
After such a resounding success, we are busy planning the academy for 2010 with the possibility of more professional coaches attending to enhance the experience further.
