Toyota Academy
TOYOTA ACADEMY
Every South African rugby player dream of breaking into the first team of one of the biggest franchises and someday representing the Springboks. But donning the green and gold jersey is the destination of an arduous journey that starts at a very young age. Schoolboy rugby is the coliseum where young gladiators must hone their skills, test their raw talent against the best, and make a name for themselves.
The Toyota Cheetahs established the Toyota Cheetahs Academy in January 2017, and since its inception, they have seen over 31 Academy players receive contracts for the Toyota Cheetahs franchise rugby team.
The Toyota Cheetahs Academy was established as a development centre, focusing on the position-specific and individual development of the players.
During the players' years at the Academy, they are introduced to the Cheetahs’ style of play, coaching philosophies, and culture of the Cheetahs, essentially assisting them in their transition from the junior ranks to senior rugby.
Specialist coaches from the senior team are employed within academy structures to ensure consistency and continuity throughout all the Cheetah teams. This assists the players in their transition into senior rugby.
Toyota Academy - Breeding Ground of Opportunity
Recent Academy Achievements:
- Ox Nche, Joseph Dweba and Jasper Wiese capped as Springboks in 2021
- Lubabalo Dubela and Darren Adonis capped as Blitzboks in 2021
- Cohan Jasper - Vasity Cup Player of the Year 2021
- George Cronje - SA u.20 Captain in 2021
- Number of young potential Springboks in the system
The Toyota Cheetahs Academy was established in January 2007.
Since its inception, we have seen no less than 68 Academy players receive contracts for the Toyota Cheetahs senior rugby team and six players going on being selected for the Springboks.
The Toyota Cheetahs Academy was established as a development centre, focusing on position-specific and individual player development.
During the players' years at the Academy, they are introduced to the Cheetahs’ style of play, coaching philosophies, and culture of the Cheetahs, essentially assisting them in their transition from the junior ranks to senior rugby.
Specialist coaches from the senior team are employed within academy structures to ensure consistency and continuity throughout all the Cheetah teams. This assists the players in their transition into senior rugby.
Another reason for the success of the Academy is the high coach-to-player ratio of 5 coaches, equating to one coach for every ten players.
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2024 INTAKE
Toyota Academy and eta combined graduation ceremony
On Friday, 27 October, eta and Toyota Academy hosted their first combined graduation ceremony with successful Toyota Academy students at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
“In the world of rugby, as in life, success thrives on a holistic approach. Pursuing knowledge, just like pursuing excellence on the field, is a crucial dimension of our journey. Our rugby players at the Toyota Cheetahs understand that studying is not just a responsibility; it’s a source of empowerment.” Said Ross van Reenen, CEO of the Toyota Cheetahs.
“I dreamt of establishing an Academy for rugby players and the Toyota Academy stands as a vibrant reality of our commitment to the future.”
“It’s a place where potential transforms into skill, where passion evolves into excellence. Together, we’ll continue to shape the future of rugby, one player at a time.”
“By embracing education, they fortify their minds and strengthen their characters. The synergy between learning and playing rugby is our secret to nurturing not just exceptional athletes but exceptional individuals who are prepared to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.” MJ Smith, COO of the Toyota Cheetahs
Kavish Gajoo, ETA director, said that they were delighted to offer their testimonial as ETA on the highly successful partnership between ETA and Toyota Rugby Academy. He said they had the privilege of witnessing the positive impact this collaboration has had on the education and development of the academy players.
“Since the inception of our partnership, eta and Toyota Academy have consistently demonstrated a shared commitment to excellence in academic and athletic realms. The structured educational programs implemented by eta, tailored specifically for the academy players, have played a pivotal role in nurturing well-rounded individuals who not only excel on the rugby field but also possess invaluable life skills.”
Gajoo further said that the Toyota Academy’s unwavering dedication to producing players with lifelong skills is commendable. Its emphasis on character development, leadership, and a holistic approach to education aligns seamlessly with eta’s educational philosophy.
“Together we have witnessed remarkable growth in the young athletes under our joint care, both academically and athletically.”
“Furthermore, the collective efforts between eta and Toyota Academy created an environment that fosters a culture of continuous learning and personal development. The academy’s commitment to the overall well-being of the players has been evident in the positive transformation of these young individuals into not just skilled rugby players but also responsible and capable members of society.”
The Director of eta concluded by adding that they wholeheartedly endorse the partnership between eta and Toyota Academy as a model of excellence in sports education. The combined efforts of both organizations have undoubtedly contributed to the success and well-rounded development of the academy players.
“I look forward to the continued success of this partnership and the positive impact it will have on future generations of rugby players and leaders.”
During the graduation ceremony, eta Campus Manager, Angie Allison shared her gratitude to the graduates saying that the student’s journey through higher education has not been an easy one and that the added commitment to their rugby certainly made it more challenging.
“Their ability to balance the demands of academics and sports is a testament to their incredible discipline, time management, and teamwork. The students have shown that with determination, perseverance, and passion, one can achieve remarkable feats both on and off the field,” Allison said.
eta Academic Manager, Levanche Slambert said that tertiary education is mental and physical for lifelong learning that installs dedication towards improvement.
“Just as they’ve honed their skills through practice and dedication, their education has translated into the strength of their character, the discipline of their training, and their strategic prowess on the field.”
“There intelligence will drive their game, and their knowledge will be their most powerful tool. Keep striving for excellence, as rugby players and lifelong learners, and watch how education empowers performance both on and off the field,” Slambert concluded.
For more information about the Toyota Academy and how to enrol, contact Natasha Ntlola at natasha@fsrugby.co.za or Angie Allison at angie.allison@etacollege.com
Contact Natasha Ntlola at natasha@fsrugby.co.za for more info.
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ACADEMIC HIGH-PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME
A very big emphasis is put on the holistic development of players.
The University of the Free State, the Central University of Technology and other entities like UXI Sport, CTU Training Solutions etc., are used as private tertiary education providers where Toyota Academy students can gain a higher education while being part of the Toyota Academy.
For this reason, a student will be developed both as a rugby athlete and for a career after rugby.
Unique pathways will be created to ensure the employability of rugby athletes, such as:
RUGBY PROGRAM
INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING
Boksmart education
World Rugby Coaching education
Referee education and introduction
Media education (Communication)
Coding and analysing the game
Exposure to the Cheetah way of play introduced by top coaches and senior players
Developing position-specific skills
Introduce, install and develop good habits and skills in defence, attack, breakdowns, contact situation and conditioning
Strength and Conditioning in line with Toyota Free State Cheetahs
High-Performance Programme
Nutritional, dietary, supplementation education and implementation
Medical and physiotherapy support
RUGBY HIGH-PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME
The programme aims to develop the player on and off the field. The strength and conditioning program is developed and powerful. Strength and Conditioning are also position-specific and relevant to each position.
The Cheetah way of play is implemented from junior rugby, and the transition into senior rugby is a smooth process. The on-field language and habits are installed at a junior level.
PLAY EXPERIENCE
The players will be eligible for the Toyota Free State u.21 side, and we have standing agreements with our neighbour Unions, the Griquas and Griffons, where they can play in the u.20 Currie Cup for the respective teams.
The players will also play in the Cheetah u.19 competition held in the first part of the year between several clubs and schools.
The players will also be eligible for Toyota Free State u.19 team that takes part in the National u.19 Tournament.
